John Thompson

John Thompson has always been a doer and an organizer, contributing to Waterloo Region through many volunteer activities in support of sports and the community.

Thompson began working at K-W Federated Appeal in 1976, leading amalgamation with United Way of Canada before retiring as CEO in 2005. Thompson along with the new organization’s staff and volunteers grew the organization from collecting donations of one million each year to more than five million dollars annually to support community social service organizations.

Thompson’s interest in sports provided opportunities to make major contributions in hockey with Kitchener Rangers and the 2008 MasterCard Memorial Cup, Waterloo Siskins reunions, K-W Dutchmen anniversary, Special Hockey International 2013 Tournament, Hockey Helps The Homeless and 25 years leadership as founder of Huronia Hockey Camps in 1970. In fastball he managed local minor and senior teams, and filled leadership roles for Canadian and International Championships hosted by and having significant impact on the community.

Thompson was president of Kitchener Sports Association, initiating its volunteer recognition, Olympic Dreams and scholarship programs, co-founder of the K-W Athlete of the Year program in 1999, and the driving force behind several charitable golf tournaments and other fund-raising events for local sports organizations. As well, he has authored two sports books.

Outside of sports, Thompson served as president of Rotary Club of Kitchener-Westmount, chair of the local CARP chapter, chair of Waterloo Region Hall of Fame, founding treasurer of Crimestoppers of Waterloo Region and on committees with the Chamber of Commerce.

Photograph courtesy of the Waterloo Region Record/David Bebee.