Welcome to Top 7 Over 70™! We are a non-profit Canadian organization, designed to shine a light on the remarkable achievements of older adults. At the core of Top 7 Over 70 is an awards program that celebrates the new successes of adults over the age 70. But at the same time, the program raises funds for partner organizations that provide innovative opportunities for seniors. We also undertake initiatives throughout the year that reflect the dynamic contributions and potential of older adults in society.
Already marking eight years of success, Top 7 Over 70 is a movement spreading across Canada! Planning is underway for a few new chapters across the country. If you’d like to learn about starting a chapter, contact Top 7 Over 70 Canada president Kim McConnell (Kim@KimMcConnell.ca).
So, how has an organization that is only eight years old already attracted so much interest and media attention? Well, it started with the vision of one super senior — Jim Gray. Jim is an esteemed businessman, energy guru and philanthropist who is respected right across Canada. He’s of those once-in-a-lifetime charismatic individuals you meet who can make anything happen no matter what age one’s birth certificate may reveal.
Jim wanted to establish a program that shattered stereotypes about seniors and acknowledged the remarkable work being done by people over the age of 70 in the worlds of business, science, arts, culture, health, fitness, education, philanthropy and volunteerism. While other award programs may focus on lifetime achievements, the unique philosophy of the Top 7 Over 70 program is that these awards celebrate new ventures started by seniors. (For a longer article about the origins of Top 7 Over 70, click here.)
Since those first Top 7 Over 70 awards were handed out in Calgary in 2017, the organization has blossomed to include a national body — Top 7 Over 70 Canada — which is overseeing growth of the program across the country. A group of go-getters and community influencers is the catalyst of Top 7 Over 70 Canada, including:
- Jim Gray: Founder of Top 7 Over 70, Jim also co-founded Canadian Hunter Exploration, which became one of Canada’s largest and most successful natural gas companies. He’s been a director or board member of dozens of businesses and non-profit organizations over the years.
- Kim McConnell: Top 7 Over 70 Canada chair, Kim is the founder and former CEO of AdFarm, one of the largest agricultural marketing communications firms in North America.
- Steve Allan: Steve, a fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta, has chaired numerous organizations including Calgary Economic Development and Canadian Tourism Commission.
- David Andrews: Chair of the first Top 7 Over 70 event in Southeastern Alberta, David is board chair of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta.
- Bonnie DuPont: A former senior executive in the energy industry, Bonnie was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women multiple times with her many past roles including that of chair of the University of Calgary Board of Governors.
- Monica Zurowski: Monica, an award-winning journalist, is the editor-in-chief of Postmedia Calgary who has also written and/or edited ten non-fiction books, including Canadian bestsellers.
- John Fitzsimmons: A winner of The Leader of Tomorrow Business in Calgary award and founder of Business fore Calgary Kids, John is president of Airside Aviation Inc.
- Niki Gray: Niki is an outstanding leader in the non-profit world, currently serving as executive director of the Community Foundation of Medicine Hat and Southeastern Alberta.
To learn about more the leaders and influencers leading the way with our Top 7 Over 70 chapters, check out the About Us page by clicking here.
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 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 organizations creating innovative programming for older adults. In Southeastern Alberta, that partner organization is the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta.
In Calgary, that partner organization is 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
