Ron Foxcroft volunteers to make an impact
For Ron Foxcroft, volunteering is a way of life. A longtime supporter of the Burlington Foundation, Foxcroft first joined the Board of Directors in 2014 and ultimately served as Chair of the Board and Chair of the Burlington Flood Disaster Relief Committee. The committee was formed by the Foundation after 191 mm of rain fell in Burlington in less than six hours on Aug. 4, 2014.
Foxcroft was instrumental in raising $905,000 from the community for flood victims through the Foundation’s 100 day campaign, devoting 700 hours of his time to the effort. He also played a crucial role in encouraging the province to match the dollars fundraised by the community through the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program. In all, $2.7 million was raised to support eligible flood victims.
Foxcroft is chair, founder and CEO of the Foxcroft Group of Companies, including Fluke Transportation Ltd., Fox 40 International Inc., and Foxcroft Capital Corp. He is also the inventor of the Fox 40 Pealess Whistle. Foxcroft has lived his entire life in Burlington, growing up in Aldershot.
What inspires you to volunteer?
My parents inspired me to volunteer. They said, always give to the community where you live and work. Volunteering is a way of life in our family.
Why have you chosen to share your time and talent with Burlington Foundation?
I sat on the board of the Hamilton Community Foundation with Doug Leggat, Murray Hogarth, and Keith Strong. They stated emphatically many years ago, that we need a Burlington Community Foundation, because there is a need, and we can make an impact on Burlington. As it grew, I witnessed first hand the success Burlington Foundation was enjoying, and when [a former CEO] asked me to join the board, the decision was easy.
What impact does volunteering have on you?
Volunteering gives me great joy. Helping people where there is a need is gratifying. The need is growing. Working with volunteers who are smarter than me, passionate, and willing to sacrifice time and resources gives me a heart throb. I do not volunteer to be recognized or be rewarded, I volunteer to quietly make an impact and bring my family closer to the city where we live.
