Major Gift News
Shawn Kimel and Kate Schatzky
Gift:
$21,000,000
Recipient:
Sinai Health Foundation
City:
Toronto
Province:
Ontario
$10M will support new space in the ICU which will more than double in size and receive 20 new beds. $11M will fund various research programs. Kimel Schatzky Intensive Care Unit. Kimel learned of the importance of intensive care units after a bike accident left him with a severe brain injury.
APR 2021
Taylor Family Foundation
Gift:
$15,000,000
Recipient:
Mount Royal University
City:
Calgary
Province:
Alberta
To increase access to a post-secondary education for Albertans and enrich the student experience. The donation will go towards transforming empty spaces in the main building into new spaces for learning and a hub for student services. This gift follows the $21M donation made by the Taylor Foundation in 2010 to MRU to build the Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts and the Bella Concert Hall, named in honor of the family’s matriarch, Mary Belle Taylor. The gift is dedicated to Robert Samuel (Sam) Taylor, Don’s father.
APR 2021
Pierre Morrissette
Gift:
$5,500,000
Recipient:
Western University
City:
London
Province:
Ontario
To support entrepreneurial research, education and programming for students across every faculty. Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship. Alumnus of the Ivey Business School. Past Chair of the Business School’s Advisory Board. Mr. Morrissette has donated more than $10M to Western University. Total fund of $8M. $5.5M donated by Pierre Morrissette, $2.5M contributed by Western University.
APR 2021
The Barrett Family Foundation
Gift:
$5,000,000
Recipient:
Durham College
City:
Whitby
Province:
Ontario
Funds will be used to create The Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture which will be an internationally recognized hub of excellence in urban agricultural practices, research, education and training. The Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture (Barrett Centre).
APR 2021
Lynton (Red) Wilson
Gift:
$5,000,000
Recipient:
McMaster University
City:
Hamilton
Province:
Ontario
In support of the Future of Canada Project to cultivate collaborative research in areas ranging from the arts to sciences. 1962 McMaster graduate, former Chancellor. Past gifts of more than $25M including the $10M donation to build L.R. Wilson Hall. $6M Future of Canada Project. $5M donation from Lynton (Red) Wilson, and $1M contribution from McMaster University.
APR 2021
Suzanne Labarge
Gift:
$5,000,000
Recipient:
McMaster University
City:
Hamilton
Province:
Ontario
To support the creation of the MIRA | Dixon Hall Centre and to fund research to help improve the lives of marginalized and at-risk seniors. McMaster University Chancellor Emerita and alumna. Has supported McMaster and aging research for 25 years. In 2007, she endowed the Raymond and Margaret Labarge Chair in Research and Knowledge Application for Optimal Aging in tribute to her parents. She has supported the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative and the Labarge Centre for Mobility in Aging.
APR 2021
Audain Foundation
Gift:
$4,000,000
Recipient:
St. Paul's Hospital
City:
Vancouver
Province:
British Columbia
In support of the public art program at St. Paul’s Hospital showcasing art by Indigenous people. The donation will create the biggest public art project of its kind at a health care site in Canada.
APR 2021
Orlando Corporation
Gift:
$3,500,000
Recipient:
The Darling Home for Kids
City:
Milton
Province:
Ontario
The Orlando Corporation will match all gifts received to The Embrace Campaign, turning $3.5M into $7M. Lead donor to The Embrace Campaign.
APR 2021
Barbara Palmer
Gift:
$3,000,000
Recipient:
Alberta Ballet Foundation
City:
Calgary
Province:
Alberta
To ensure the ballet’s continued success and encourage other arts lovers to give back to cultural institutions. Lifelong advocate, donor and subscriber to Alberta Ballet.
APR 2021
Mac & Susan Van Wielengen and the Viewpoint Foundation
Gift:
$2,000,000
Recipient:
University of Calgary
City:
Calgary
Province:
Alberta
To support student learning and leadership in new Mathison Hall. Viewpoint Circle for Dialogue. Mac and Susan Van Wielingen of the Viewpoint Foundation have given more than $7M to the University of Calgary.
APR 2021
Power Corporation of Canada, Canada Life and IGM Financial
Gift:
$1,750,000
Recipient:
Western University
City:
London
Province:
Ontario
To advance public policy and diversity through the support of three initiatives: new public policy research and programming at Ivey’s Lawrence National Centre for Policy and Management; internship opportunities for students who self-identify as women or members of equity-seeking groups; and scholarships for self-identifying women interested in finance. Power Corporation of Canada will support the Lawrence Centre through an eight-year industry or post-doctoral fellow position and a new innovation fund for emerging research and programming. It will also support an annual Power Corporation of Canada Summit and new Roundtable Series. Canada Life will fund two to three student interns per year for eight years to support the Lawrence Centre’s research initiatives.
APR 2021
Ledcor
Gift:
$1,250,000
Recipient:
Variety
City:
Burnaby
Province:
British Columbia
Over the next five years, this donation will support low income families with young children living with Type 1 diabetes by providing continuous glucose monitoring technology.
APR 2021
Abel Tesfaye (The Weekend)
Gift:
$1,000,000
Recipient:
United Nations World Food Programme
City:
Province:
International
To support relief efforts in Ethiopia amid the ongoing conflict between the government in Addis Ababa and the Tigray region. The donation will provide two million meals through the United Nations World Food Programme. The Weeknd’s parents immigrated to Canada from Ethiopia and The Weeknd grew up speaking Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia. Gift is in USD.
APR 2021
Anonymous
Gift:
$1,000,000
Recipient:
St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation and Grand River Hospital Foundation
City:
Kitchener
Province:
Ontario
In support of Kitchener hospitals. The 90-year-old donor was described as a long-time business leader in the community who established a successful manufacturing business. Donation made to inspire others to give while they are alive.
APR 2021
Barbara Cornelius
Gift:
$1,000,000
Recipient:
Niagara Health Foundation
City:
St. Catharines
Province:
Ontario
To support the purchase of a third MRI machine. Kerry Cornelius Outpatient Clinics. In honour of Barbara’s late husband Kerry Cornelius.
APR 2021
Conexus Credit Union
Gift:
$1,000,000
Recipient:
Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan
City:
Regina
Province:
Saskatchewan
In support of the youth work experience program, helping 80 families from across the province benefit from home ownership.
APR 2021
Cor Van Raay
Gift:
$1,000,000
Recipient:
LINK Pathway
City:
Lethbridge
Province:
Alberta
To build an accessible trail from Coaldale to Lethbridge for cycling, walking, jogging and other non-motorized modes of transportation. Cor Van Raay Link Pathway. Cor Van Raay is an avid biker.
APR 2021
Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited
Gift:
$1,000,000
Recipient:
The BlackNorth Initiative
City:
Toronto
Province:
Ontario
To support organizational growth, educational programming and development of community projects.
APR 2021
Gordon Smith, Estate of
Gift:
$1,000,000
Recipient:
Vancouver Art Gallery
City:
Vancouver
Province:
British Columbia
The gallery intends to use the bequest to create a new curatorial position dedicated to Canadian art. The donation has been matched by The Jarislowsky Foundation providing a total of $2M in endowment to the Vancouver Art Gallery. Long-time supporter of the Vancouver Art Gallery, artist. Bequest was matched by Stephen and Gail Jarislowsky through the Jarislowsky Foundation providing a total of $2M in endowment for the gallery.
APR 2021
HART Foundation
Gift:
$1,000,000
Recipient:
Women's College Hospital Foundation
City:
Toronto
Province:
Ontario
To launch a new research and support initiative for those affected by sex trafficking.
APR 2021
Hyundai Canada
Gift:
$1,000,000
Recipient:
BGC Canada
City:
Toronto
Province:
Ontario
In support of the Youth of the Year Program which recognizes children with exceptional leadership skills across Canada.
APR 2021
The Jarislowsky Foundation
Gift:
$1,000,000
Recipient:
Vancouver Art Gallery
City:
Vancouver
Province:
British Columbia
Stephen and Gail Jarislowsky matched the $1M bequest made by Gordon Smith creating a $2M endowment for the Vancouver Art Gallery. The gallery intends to use the endowment to create a new curatorial position dedicated to Canadian art. Gift made to match the $1M bequest from the late Gordon Smith providing a total of $2M in endowment for the gallery.
APR 2021
Larry and Judy Tanenbaum Family Foundation
Gift:
$1,000,000
Recipient:
Ryerson University
City:
Toronto
Province:
Ontario
To establish the Dale H. Lastman Leadership Scholarships for Ryerson Law students. Launching with awards for six students, the renewable scholarships will then be offered to three new students every year in perpetuity. Dale H. Lastman Leadership Scholarships. The scholarship program is named in honour of Larry Tanenbaum’s friend and colleague Dale Lastman.
APR 2021
MEC
Gift:
$1,000,000
Recipient:
Various
City:
Province:
National
To teach outdoor skills, protect wild spaces and grow the communities of people getting active outside. 2021 Social Impact Partners include: Avalanche Canada, Spirit North, Parks Canada, Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, Park Bus, Alpine Club of Canada, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Protect Our Winters, Leave No Trace Canada, The Royal Canadian Geographical Society and Take Me Outside. Donation made in support of Canadian outdoor community organizations in commemoration of MEC’s 50th anniversary.
APR 2021
Sun Life
Gift:
$1,000,000
Recipient:
Various
City:
Province:
National / International
To support COVID-19 relief efforts and address health inequities in Canada, Asia, and the US. In Canada, a portion of the donation will support public health units assisting with vaccine rollout with an emphasis on seniors and supporting Indigenous populations. The remainder will address the mental health and food insecurity crisis. This donation is in addition to the first $1M donation announced in March 2021 towards COVID-19 relief.
APR 2021
Tara Klassen and Carl Hansen
Gift:
$825,000
Recipient:
Fighting Blindness Canada
City:
Toronto
Province:
Ontario
To establish a new award to support research by Dr. Arlene Drack (University of Iowa) to develop a new gene therapy treatment for retinal degeneration caused by mutations in the Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) gene BBS10.
APR 2021
RBC Foundation
Gift:
$750,000
Recipient:
Lambton College
City:
Sarnia
Province:
Ontario
Three year donation to Lambton College’s Project One Circle Program as part of RBC’s Future Launch to support financial literacy and entrepreneurship training for youth in First Nations communities across Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
APR 2021
James A. Burton and Family Foundation
Gift:
$657,000
Recipient:
Lighthouse Community Services
City:
Orillia
Province:
Ontario
3:1 matching gift campaign in support of the Building Home Campaign. The community raised over $219,000 which, with the foundation’s contribution, contributed a total of $876,000.
APR 2021
RBC Foundation
Gift:
$600,000
Recipient:
QEII Foundation
City:
Halifax
Province:
Nova Scotia
To support online mental health programming in Nova Scotia.
APR 2021
Anonymous
Gift:
$500,000
Recipient:
Red Deer College
City:
Red Deer
Province:
Alberta
To launch a student bursary fundraising campaign. $500k donation to match gifts 1:1. The RDC Student Bursary Fund will provide financial support for more than 1,300 students. Gift launched the fundraising campaign to support student bursaries.
APR 2021
TD Bank Group
Gift:
$500,000
Recipient:
Mount Allison University
City:
Sackville
Province:
New Brunswick
Funding through the TD Ready Commitment will help support innovation so that communities can thrive. The Venture Space MtA Entrepreneurial Thinking Incubator provides reference materials, personalized access to mentors and experts, and coaching support for students to develop, catalyze, and test social and commercial entrepreneurial ideas, potentially bringing those ideas to market or the community. TD Entrepreneurial Thinking Incubator Program.
APR 2021
Walker Industries
Gift:
$500,000
Recipient:
Niagara Health Foundation
City:
St. Catharines
Province:
Ontario
To purchase a third magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine.
APR 2021
Knight Group of Companies
Gift:
$450,000
Recipient:
Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan
City:
Regina
Province:
Saskatchewan
A matching gift campaign to support renovations at the Regina Cancer Patient Lodge. Up to $450,000 in donations through the matching gift campaign.
APR 2021
Glenn Stonehouse
Gift:
$300,000
Recipient:
Peterborough Humane Society
City:
Peterborough
Province:
Ontario
To support Our Pet Project campaign for the new Peterborough Humane Society Animal Care Centre.
APR 2021
Lake Shore Gold
Gift:
$250,000
Recipient:
Timmins and District Hospital Foundation
City:
Timmins
Province:
Ontario
To upgrade an operating room within the hospital and increase local patients’ access to laparoscopic surgery.
APR 2021
Sidney and Naomi Spiegel
Gift:
$250,000
Recipient:
Hospice Quinte
City:
Belleville
Province:
Ontario
To support the future Hospice Quinte Care Centre.
APR 2021
W.C. Wood Foundation
Gift:
$250,000
Recipient:
St. Joseph's Health Centre Foundation
City:
Guelph
Province:
Ontario
To support the vital equipment needs at St. Joseph’s Health Centre to ensure people receive the best rehabilitation, complex medical and long-term care possible. This gift will also support projects like the updated medication safety system and purchase items used by care teams every day, such as electrocardiograms, vital signs monitors, IV pumps, and beds. W.C. Wood Foundation Family Room.
APR 2021
TD Bank Group
Gift:
$115,000
Recipient:
Niagara College
City:
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Province:
Ontario
Funding received through the TD Ready Commitment will support Sources, a new business startup program, delivered in partnership between Niagara College and the TD Bank Group. The program will offer a suite of supports to Niagara residents looking to venture into the area of self-employment.
APR 2021
Charlie and Diann Millage
Gift:
$100,000
Recipient:
Guelph Humane Society
City:
Guelph
Province:
Ontario
In support of the Unleashing Hope Campaign. The second dog adoption room at the new facility will be named after Charlie and Diann Millage. This gift was made just days before Charlie died at age 95.
APR 2021
Peninsula Co-Op
Gift:
$100,000
Recipient:
United Way of Greater Victoria
City:
Victoria
Province:
British Columbia
Peninsula Co-Op will match all donations received up to $100k towards the Blue Love Campaign. Community partners helped through the campaign include Family Services of Greater Victoria, Mental Health Recovery Partners and Sooke Family Resource Society.
APR 2021
Peter and Dini Twynstra and family
Gift:
$100,000
Recipient:
Craigwiel Gardens
City:
Ailsa Craig
Province:
Ontario
Towards the rebuild and renovation project of the Craigholme long-term care facility. Peter and Dini Twynstra are retired and living in Ailsa Craig.
APR 2021
Rotary Club of Peterborough
Gift:
$100,000
Recipient:
Camp Kawartha
City:
Peterborough
Province:
Ontario
In celebration of the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s centennial year, $100k donations were made to Camp Kawartha and Peterborough Youth Emergency Shelter, along with the donation of a shade shelter along the Rotary Greenway Trail.
APR 2021
Rotary Club of Peterborough
Gift:
$100,000
Recipient:
Peterborough Youth Emergency Shelter
City:
Peterborough
Province:
Ontario
In celebration of the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s centennial year, $100k donations were made to Peterborough Youth Emergency Shelter and Camp Kawartha, along with the donation of a shade shelter along the Rotary Greenway Trail.
APR 2021
Sun Life
Gift:
$100,000
Recipient:
Canadian Red Cross
City:
Province:
International
To support COVID-19 relief efforts in India. The majority of the donation will go to the Canadian Red Cross who is working closely with the Indian Red Cross. Approximately $25k of the donation will go to a regional charity to boost local efforts.