The Children’s Foundation announced Sam Brady as its 2026 Guardian Angel.
The announcement was made official at an event at East Hill Park on Tuesday.
“I was very surprised,” Brady tells Quinte News on his reaction to being named next year’s Guardian Angel.
“I joked about it in my speech, but there’s just such a group of giving people within our community, much more generous, much kinder people that I can think of. So to the nominators who brought my name forward, I am very grateful and humbled by that, and just honored that the Children’s Foundation would recognize me. It’s really a lovely, lovely thing.”
The 2026 Guardian Angel for The Children’s Foundation, Sam Brady, giving a speech at East Hill Park. July 22, 2025. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
Brady is a Senior Portfolio Manager and Senior Wealth Advisor at the Brady Clark Advisory Group CIBC Wood Gundy.
He’s being recognized for his extensive philanthropic work and support of the community, with him and his team sponsoring a number of community events including the most recent gala.
Brady is also a past member of the board of directors for The Children’s Foundation including serving as chair in 2011.
During that time, he helped form a committee to help revitalize East Hill Park, the site of the 2026 Guardian Angel announcement.
“We are honoured to acknowledge Sam Brady as our 2026 Guardian Angel,” Guardian Angel Gala Chair and Past Chair TCF Board of Directors, Cassandra Bonn, said in a press release.
“His unwavering commitment to philanthropy and his profound impact on our community serves as an inspiring example of true leadership and generosity. We are deeply grateful for his dedication to our mission and his ongoing support for the children and families we serve.”
Speaking with Quinte News, Executive Director of The Children’s Foundation, Melanie Cressman, says this year was the year to honour Sam.
“Sam’s a dear friend to the Children’s Foundation, as well as other charities in the area,” Cressman said.
“Of course, he’s a former board member of the Children’s Foundation. He still helps us with finance, and we look to him as a leader and somebody that has a steeped history in the community with our organization.”
Executive Director of The Children’s Foundation, Melanie Cressman, and the 2026 Chair of the Guardian Angel Gala, Cassandra Bonn, unveiling the 2026 Guardian Angel at East Hill Park. July 22, 2025. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
Brady will be recognized during the 26th anniversary of The Guardian Angel Gala set to take place on March 7.
McDougall Insurance and Financial is the presenting sponsor of the event.
Speaking with Quinte News, Executive Director of The Children’s Foundation Melanie Cressman says this year’s theme is something close to Brady.
“When the Guardian Angel is selected, we really want to get to the heart of what makes them who they are, what they’re known for and the Brady clan, of course, is absolutely known for their Irish roots,” Cressman explained to Quinte News.
“A night in era is perfectly fitting for Sam. We look forward to some incredible music on gala night, it will be an elegant Irish theme.”
A location is set to be announced in the next couple of weeks, but Cressman tells Quinte News that it will take place in Belleville.
More information about The Children’s Foundation can be found at their website.
