Toronto, ON (June 18, 2025) – Today, the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) and its Board of Directors are honoured to announce Craig Senyk as the 2025 recipient of the Gary Slaight Music Humanitarian Award, recognizing his extraordinary philanthropic contributions and unwavering support of the Canadian country music community. Awarded annually, the Gary Slaight Music Humanitarian Award recognizes an individual(s) and/or event(s) that have made an outstanding contribution of time and energy in the support of humanitarian causes through country music.

Since 2013, Senyk—alongside his wife Cara and cornerstone partner Mawer Investment Management—has hosted the Jamboree for Charity, an intimate country music event that has raised millions of dollars for community-based charities in Calgary and Toronto. With 100% of funds raised going directly to organizations that support health, education, children, and Canadian champions, with recent recipients that include Kids Help Phone, Discovery House, and the Radiance Society, the Jamboree is a powerful reflection of Senyk’s deep commitment to giving back while shining the spotlight on Canadian country music.

He is also the founder of Craig Senyk Initiatives, which amplifies Canadian musicians and advances charitable efforts through strategic partnerships and event sponsorships, including the Country Music Alberta Awards, YYC Music Awards, and the National Music Centre. A passionate community leader, Senyk serves on the boards of the Stampede Foundation, Theatre Calgary, Arts Commons, and Classroom Champions, advancing projects that foster accessibility, mentorship, and thriving communities nationwide.

In his professional life, Senyk is a Chartered Financial Analyst and serves as Board Chair at Mawer Investment Management, where he has brought over 25 years of leadership and integrity to the Canadian investment industry. He has been recognized as one of Calgary’s Top 40 under 40 and in 2022, received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for his philanthropic impact.

“This recognition is very unexpected; I am incredibly blessed to be acknowledged by those in the music industry,” says Senyk. “While I am not formally a part of the industry, I am immensely grateful to be aligned and recognized by its community of talented artists, producers, and leaders. This acknowledgment inspires me to continue working diligently to elevate Canadian country music and help bring its remarkable talent to an even broader global audience.”

Gary Slaight, President and CEO of The Slaight Family Foundation adds, “Craig’s genuine passion for giving back, along with his commitment to supporting Canadian musicians and the country music industry, is directly aligned with the work we do at The Slaight Family Foundation. This recognition is well-earned and well-deserved — congratulations, Craig!”

“Craig’s philanthropic leadership and support for country music and community initiatives set a powerful example,” shares Amy Jeninga, President, CCMA. “From creating space for artists to shine, to driving meaningful impact through financial support, Craig’s contributions reflect the very spirit of this award. We’re proud to honour his efforts with the 2025 Gary Slaight Music Humanitarian Award and look forward to celebrating him in Kelowna this September.”

The Gary Slaight Music Humanitarian Award of Achievement is named in recognition of generous donations made by Slaight Music & The Slaight Family Foundation. The 2025 Award will be presented to Craig Senyk during a private industry event as part of Country Music Week 2025, taking place September 10-13 in Kelowna, BC. For further details on the Gary Slaight Music Humanitarian Award and other CCMA Awards of Achievement click HERE.

About The Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®)
Established in 1976, the CCMA® is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and recognition of Canadian country music. Built upon the foundation to educate, elevate, and celebrate Canadian talent, the CCMA progressively heralds the spirit, community, and creativity that country music fosters through year-round initiatives, culminating every fall with Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association Awards.

About The Slaight Family Foundation
The Slaight Family Foundation was established in 2008 by John Allan Slaight. Allan Slaight (1931-2021), known as Canada’s broadcast pioneer, was a leader in the music industry and a prominent Canadian philanthropist. Through his generosity, the Foundation proactively supports charitable initiatives in the areas of healthcare, at-risk youth international development, social services and culture. Allan’s son, Gary Slaight, oversees the foundation as President & CEO, The Slaight Family Foundation.

Media Contact:

For the Canadian Country Music Association – Red Umbrella P.R. |

For Craig Senyk – Blunt Strategic |