NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE 2025 TOP 7 OVER 70 AWARDS.
Top 7 Over 70 has become one of the most beloved and unique award programs in the country. We are recognizing individuals for new accomplishments and successes achieved after the age of 70. The awards are handed out every two years and we are thrilled to announce that the next awards gala will again take place at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Calgary, where we have celebrated all previous four groups of winners. The gala will occur on Oct. 21, 2025. Watch this top7over70.com website for ticket and sponsorship details in the coming weeks.
We’re also pleased to open nominations for those 2025 awards. We want to give you plenty of time to get your nomination ready, which will include you filling out the following form and getting two other people who know your nominee to write letters of support for the nomination. You can either fill out the below fillable form or copy and paste the form onto another type of document you prefer to work with. Questions about a nomination can be emailed to top7over70@humaniscalgary.com. We are grateful for the support of executive search firm Humanis Advisory and partner Cameron McDonald for their work on the nomination process!
Ideal nominees are people over the age of 70 (living in Calgary or its surrounding communities) who have started a new venture or implemented a new idea since turning 70. These accomplishments can be in fields including health, wellness and recreation; arts and culture; science; tech; business; volunteerism and philanthropy; environment; overcoming adversity; and making a difference. The accomplishment may be in a brand new field for the nominee or it could be built on previous work, but demonstrating a new twist on recent achievements.
Ready to nominate someone? Excellent! Click on the nomination form below. We look forward to hearing about the Top 7 Over 70 individual you know!
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In the meantime, here’s some inspiration from the 2023 recipients:
* RON GHITTER: A former senator, this 88-year-old life-time public servant has created a new human rights forum. In his spare time, he’s put Calgary on the tennis map by raising millions to build the amazing Osten & Victor Alberta Tennis Centre in the city.
* DR. BENNO NIGG: An 85-year-old biomechanics expert, Benno’s knowledge of athletic shoes has been sought by everyone from Nike and Adidas to Lululemon; he and colleagues even worked with David Beckham. He’s helped the U of C Faculty of Kinesiology land a position as the No. 1 sports medicine school in North America 5 years in a row, while also starting his own sports research company.
* JOHN SCOTT: If there’s one person whose name is associated with luring big-budget films to southern Alberta, it’s John Scott. This 83-year-old rancher is a leading Canadian stunt expert, who continues to put southern Alberta on Hollywood’s map and recently received a “location of the year” award at the world-famous Cannes film festival.
* JANICE McTIGHE: Janice is an 82-year-old visionary educator who is opening a $30-million junior/senior high school for Calgary kids with disabilities. Previously, she started Renfrew Educational Services in 1974 and grew it into an internationally recognized program that has helped thousands of students with physical and cognitive special needs.
* TANIA WILLUMSEN: This 76-year-old Calgary woman demonstrates how one person can truly make a difference. She’s been helping Ukrainian refugees settle here and assisting them with everything from entering the labour market and learning the language to counselling, financial support and emotional support.
* MOGENS SMED: Mogens is a well-known 75-year-old Calgary entrepreneur and innovator, who showed — yet again — that it’s never too late to start something new. He created another new business at age 71 and within four years he’s already grown that enterprise to one employing almost 500 people.
* TOM JACKSON: A 74-year-old award-winning actor, whose film, TV and music projects grow in scope every year, we know Tom’s work from North of 60 and the Huron Carole. He’s now working on the new series Sullivan’s Crossing, while also creating a detective drama and continuing his philanthropic work via new music and video projects.
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TOP 7 OVER BACKGROUND
What is the Top 7 Over 70?
The Top 7 Over 70 is an inspiring, biennial celebration (occurring every two years) that 1.) Recognizes Calgary and area individuals achieving remarkable success in a myriad of pursuits started after age 70; and, 2.) Helps kick start the economy by shining a light on an important resource in our community — older adults — and supporting high potential entrepreneurs.
“Forget every out-dated belief you may have heard about aging,” says Jim Gray, the energy guru and philanthropist who launched the awards after years of meeting exceptional people starting exceptional ventures later in life. “There are many older adults achieving remarkable results in fields ranging from business, science and the arts to health, fitness, philanthropy and more.”
Why is the program vital?
It’s increasingly important to tap into the experience and potential of older individuals. Statistics Canada says our country now has more people aged 65-plus than children under 15. And, by 2036, seniors could number between 9.9 million and 10.9 million in Canada. Top 7 Over 70 promotes the concept of communities better utilizing and engaging older individuals, who are practiced, prepared and proficient in a multitude of areas. To thrive as a society, it’s a vital direction.
Who does the Top 7 Over 70 organization support?
As a non-profit, Top 7 Over 70 supports a sister organization called InterGen — a talent development and matching platform that is helping to re-energize Calgary’s economy. InterGen matches experienced individuals with younger entrepreneurs, thus creating multigenerational teams that can rapidly scale growth. High-potential companies are also supported via educational offerings and training, to help propel our economy forward. More details are at InterGenConnect.com
TOP 7 OVER 70 SPONSORS
The Top 7 Over 70 program wouldn’t be possible with the support of our forward-thinking sponsors. They are true leaders in the community and we are grateful for their incredible support.
GOLD SPONSORS
* Alberta Blue Cross * Bill & Ruth Kujat * Brookfield * Calgary Herald * CN Rail * CP Rail * David & Gail O’Brien * Hyatt Regency Calgary * Jayman BUILT * Pekarsky & Co. * Sandstone Asset Management * Shell Canada Limited * Stephanie & Brian Felesky * Trico Living Well *
SILVER SPONSORS
* Cenovus * Dick & Lois Haskayne * Enbridge Inc. * Encore * Falkbuilt Ltd. * Jim Gray * Highlander Wine & Spirits * Peak Cellars * RGO * SC Infrastructure Corp * The Alvin and Mona Libin Foundation * The Edward * Tourmaline Oil Corp. * United Active Living * W. Brett Wilson * WCD (Western Canadian Digital Imaging)
BRONZE SPONSORS
* Alan & Shelley Norris * Arcurve * ATCO Ltd. * Bonnie DuPont & Barry Bultz * Calgary Economic Development * Calgary Foundation * Canadian Natural Resources Limited * City of Calgary * Engineered Air (Airtex Manufacturing Partnership) * Jack Carter Automotive Group * Maggnum Ventures Inc. * Mawer Investment Management Ltd. * MBS Capital Corp. * Tani Ziedler * VEERUM * Viewpoint Foundation *
We also thank the dozens of patrons and hundreds of gala attendees who help make Top 7 Over 70 a success.
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