Samuel A. Dickson Award
The late Samuel A. Dickson championed, for over 20 years, to rally support for the restoration of Fort Edmonton.
Dickson’s passion for his vision started in 1945.
Samuel A. Dickson Award
The Samuel A. Dickson Award is presented to a Fort Edmonton Foundation donor each year.
This award provides an opportunity for the Fort Edmonton Foundation to recognize and profile longstanding supporters. These donors have dedicated their hearts, time and financial gifts to the development of Fort Edmonton Park. They are ambassadors and champions–much like Mr. Dickson.
By honouring our donors with this award we help keep the legacy of Samuel A. Dickson alive. He gathered the community together as a Rotarian, member of the Northern Alberta Pioneers and Old Timers Association, and then as a member of the Edmonton Museum Committee.
It wasn’t until 1965 when Dickson was 89 years old that the discussion to develop a heritage park was brought to the City Council. In 1967 commitment was granted, in 1969 the Fort Edmonton Historical Foundation was founded, and in May of 1974, the gates to Fort Edmonton Park were opened.
Rotary District 5370 (Brent Collingwood – District Governor)
2023 Award Recipient
Rotary 5370 is foundational to Fort Edmonton Park’s existence and played a pivotal role in the creation of the Fort Edmonton Foundation. The original 1967 plans required an annual budget of $600,000 over 20 years, with $400,000 to be raised by the Foundation each year. Early fundraising initiatives, such as the “Buy a Log” campaign in 1971 and pledges of $100 annually over five years, helped bring the Fort to life. In 1972, the Voyageur Program was launched, drawing 450 members from various backgrounds within a year, all pledging funds and support. Authenticity quickly became Park’s guiding principle. The Rotary Clubs of Edmonton contributed significantly to Fort Edmonton Park, including $121,155 in 1980 toward the railway station. Beyond monetary support, Rotary members have donated countless volunteer hours, acted as ambassadors, and engaged the community to support the Foundation’s mission. Notably, Rotarian Jeff P. received the Samuel A. Dickson Award in 2020 for his contributions. It is time Rotary 5370 receives formal recognition, and we highly endorse them for this award.
Michael Paull
2022 Award Recipient
Michael joined the Fort Edmonton Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2016 and was elected President in June 2017. His passion for Fort Edmonton Park was evident through his almost daily walks there during the summer and his recruitment of esteemed board members, including Historian Laureate Tim Marriott, Jim Wachowich, Past Presidents Andrew Otway and Jason Clarke, and current President Grace Kallal. Michael also played a pivotal role in the Capital Campaign for the expansion project and the “Light the Midway” initiative.
Together with his wife, Colleen, Michael generously donated $25,000 to the Foundation. He remains an ambassador and active community supporter, encouraging legacy giving.
One of Michael’s proudest achievements as President was immersing the Board in the Park experience by holding meetings and meals in various rentable buildings, creating valuable learning opportunities for all.
His fundraising philosophy—“give, get, or get out”—was clear and impactful: board members were encouraged to give their time and resources, recruit others to do the same, or step aside. Michael’s leadership challenged the Board to elevate its efforts, and he succeeded in inspiring a stronger, more dedicated team.
Past Samuel A. Dickson Award Recipients
Michael Paull
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Margaret and Mario Min
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Jeff Polovick
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Anna and Richard Fahrion
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Sue Currie
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ATCO
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Bill Graham
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John & Barbara Poole
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Dr. George Buck
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Ada Hole
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Alan and Alice Bell
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Edward Allen and
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Emilie Ryan
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Margaret (Wudel) Anderson
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John Howard
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Don Smith
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Grace Rumbold
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Garth Campbell
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James Campbell, Sylvia Kennedy
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Rae & Carol Allen
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