Samaritans has named Tom Burke and Donalda Hingston winners of the 2026 Margaret Stewart Lindsay Award, which recognizes individuals for their dedication to Samaritans’ mission and their commitment to building community through Margaret’s joyous characteristics.
Since 2003, the Margaret Stewart Lindsay Foundation has graciously donated $1.5 million to support Samaritans’ lifesaving programs and services. Margaret lost her father to suicide when she was just 14, but she maintained her warm spirit, genuine kindness, infectious sense of humor, and extraordinary gift for helping others.
Donalda has been a part of the Samaritans community for 25 years, including as a SafePlace facilitator and a former member of our Board of Directors. She started a Samaritans 5K team in memory of her son, who died by suicide in 2oo1. Edward’s Team has raised roughly 200,000 in his honor.
Donalda remembers attending her first Samaritans 5K, not knowing what to expect. “I knew deep down in my heart Edward was with us in spirit. He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.”
This would have been Donalda’s 25th consecutive year attending the Samaritans 5K. “I plan to continue every year possible. It is also my way of giving back and helping those on the journey I will be on for the rest of my life.”
Tom began donating his time as a Helpline volunteer 50 years ago. He has served on the Samaritans Board of Directors, answered countless calls from people in need of support, and is a regular attendee of annual Samaritans events such as the 5K, Breakfast for Hope, and Community Gathering.
Tom credits Samaritans for his ability to listen to others and create a safe space for them to share. He also says that he has no plans to stop listening anytime soon. When asked what he will be doing three years from now, a smile quickly spreads across his face.
“Above all, I will continue to get up each day for breakfast feeling happy and will be there to listen when someone needs me.”
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If you have lost someone to suicide, you are not alone. Samaritans is here to offer suicide loss survivors nonjudgmental listening and peer support through virtual and in-person programs.
