Some of the most meaningful acts of generosity begin with personal experience.
For 2026 Paul Wentzell Community Builder Award recipients Pam Doak and her son, Colter Wood, their family’s experience navigating the healthcare system inspired a shared commitment to making that journey easier for others. After receiving care at both Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital and the IWK Health Centre, they wanted to give back to the people and organizations that had supported them along the way. This began “Colter’s Cause”, giving a name to Colter and Pam’s philanthropic actions they led together.
Their efforts didn’t begin with large fundraising events or ambitious campaigns. Instead, they started small. Colter created paintings and handmade greeting cards, and together, the family found simple ways to raise funds and support local healthcare. Over time, those small acts of generosity grew into Colter’s Cause, inspiring others to join them in giving back.
“You can start small,” Pam said. “You don’t have to raise thousands of dollars. It can start with being kind. It can start with volunteering. It can start with almost anything.”
As their impact grew, so did the community around them. Friends, family, volunteers, donors, and local supporters all played a part in turning one family’s gratitude into a movement of kindness. It is a journey that reflects the very spirit of the Paul Wentzell Community Builder Award, bringing people together to strengthen the community through compassion and service.
For Pam, one of the greatest rewards has been watching Colter embrace philanthropy from such a young age. For Colter, the motivation has always been simple: using his own experience as a patient to help other children and families facing similar challenges. “Starting is the hardest part. But if you put yourself out there, eventually people catch on”, Colter said.
Today, their story serves as a reminder that making a difference doesn’t always begin with a grand gesture. Sometimes, it starts with a single act of kindness, a willingness to help, and a desire to give back.
Congratulations to Colter and Pam on being named recipients of the 2026 Paul Wentzell Community Builder Award. Their journey is a powerful example of how gratitude can grow into generosity and how one family’s story can inspire an entire community.
Paul Wentzell Community Builder Award
The Paul Wentzell Community Builder Award was established to honour individuals who have gone above and beyond in strengthening our community through volunteerism, leadership, and a spirit of generosity. Recipients are nominated by the community for their dedication to causes that make a lasting difference in others’ lives, often quietly and without expectation of recognition. The award serves as a reminder that community is built one person, one act of kindness, at a time. Learn more about the award and past recipients here.
