Jan 15, 2020

MANITOBA OPERA NAMES TANNIS M. RICHARDSON AS 2020 RECIPIENT OF THE GAIL ASPER AWARD

Manitoba Opera announced today that the company will honour Winnipeg champion, philanthropist, and volunteer Tannis M. Richardson C.M., B.Sc. (H. Ec.), LL.D. with The Gail Asper Award. The Gail Asper Award was created by Manitoba Opera in 2018 to honour individuals who demonstrate exemplary leadership in a field of endeavor or pursuit of a visionary goal.

Mrs. Richardson has made a significant difference in her hometown of Winnipeg and across the country through her decades of work and dedication to the arts, health care, and cultural organizations. She will receive The Gail Asper Award at a Gala Reception held in her honour Thursday, April 16, 2020, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Manitoba Club, 194 Broadway, Winnipeg.

Mrs. Richardson cares deeply about her community and giving back. She has been a dedicated supporter of numerous health, cultural, and social service organizations. She has been especially committed to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Canada (JDRF), serving at the community and national levels, as well as with JDRF International.

In addition, she has contributed time and funds to many organizations including Manitoba Opera (for which she sat on the board from 1975 to 1978), the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Manitoba Museum, United Way of Winnipeg, and the Kidney Foundation of Canada, and played an instrumental role in the development of the Winnipeg Art Gallery, as well as other organizations. In recognition of her philanthropy and community service, and among other awards, Mrs. Richardson was invested in the Order of Canada in 2003 and awarded an honorary degree by the University of Manitoba in 2012. (Bio follows)