A standing ovation filled Perth’s Studio Theatre Thursday night as longtime broadcaster and community volunteer Brian Perkin received one of the town’s highest honours.
Perkin was presented with the 2026 Perth Medal by Mayor Judy Brown during the Perth and District Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Awards on October 22.
The medal recognizes outstanding contributions to the community through volunteerism, fundraising and service.
For Perkin, those contributions span more than three decades, touching everything from local healthcare and affordable housing to sports, the arts and business.
Perkin says receiving the honour was overwhelming, but he’s quick to credit the people who worked alongside him.
Perhaps his most recognizable contribution is founding the Radiothon for Local Healthcare during his years as owner of Lake 88, now 88.1 myFM.
The annual fundraiser, which followed the station’s successful charity golf tournaments, continues to support local hospitals.
Although Perkin sold the station in 2021, he returns every year to host the final three hours of the Radiothon and announce the fundraising total, a tradition that continues to this day.
His community involvement reaches well beyond broadcasting.
Perkin has chaired Perth’s Festival of the Maples, served with the Perth and District Chamber of Commerce and helped advance affordable housing through Community Housing Initiative Perth.
He has also coached minor hockey and soccer, served as co-chair of the Perth Performing Arts Committee and supported initiatives benefiting local youth.
His contributions were previously recognized in 2021 when Algonquin College awarded him an honorary degree.
During Thursday’s acceptance speech, Perkin challenged fellow business owners to find their own ways to support the community, drawing on his experience with the Radiothon and earlier Lake 88 golf tournaments.
But he insists community success is never the work of just one person.
The evening was also a family celebration.
Perkin’s wife Jennifer, whose own community contributions were acknowledged, was in attendance. Their sons Darcy and Kevin travelled from Toronto to share the occasion.
For those who have worked alongside Perkin, his influence extends beyond fundraising and community leadership. He has been a mentor to generations of radio employees and a trusted friend to many.
And his radio days are not over. His voice remains familiar to listeners every Saturday morning on 88.1 myFM, including the popular Lacey’s Trading Post.
Thursday’s standing ovation was a fitting tribute to a man who has spent much of his life encouraging others to make Perth a better place.
myFM’s Bob Perreault and Shannon McLellan congratulate Brian Perkin
All of us here at 88.1 congratulate Brian. Well deserved!
