Member of the Order of Canada
- Awarded on: November 21, 2013
- Invested on: May 07, 2014
For his contributions as a philanthropist and entrepreneur, notably for founding one of Canada’s leading awards for young artists.
Donald Sobey is highly regarded for his contributions as a businessman and cultural philanthropist. A key figure in building one of the largest food retailers in Canada, he has channelled his passion for the arts into supporting such institutions as the National Gallery of Canada. Notably, he created the Sobey Art Award, Canada’s largest prize for young contemporary artists. He also created scholarships for students from Atlantic Canada who attend Queen’s University, Dalhousie University and the University of King’s College.