Sharing, Caring and Giving Brilliantly
Shining a light on the positive impact that collective caring and sharing has on the whole community is the underlying theme for this part of the Foundation’s journey.
In 2015, the Foundation presented the Masquerade Ball and honoured Gary DeGroote as the 2015 Philanthropist of the Year. Gary and his family are prominent business leaders and have contributed countless hours to the arts, culture, recreation, youth and education sectors in Burlington.
Reinforcing the Foundation’s underling theme, in 2016, Burlington Foundation trademarked the term ‘Give Brilliantly™’ to express the ripple effect of change that happens when donors, community partners and the Foundation amplify collective community giving.
The Foundation launched a reimagined Share to Care gala recognizing 2016 Philanthropist of the Year, Ron Joyce, co-founder of Tim Hortons and founder of the Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation.
And through the Foundation’s leadership the Mental Wellness Endowment fund, the first dedicated fund of its kind in Burlington, was established with a generous gift of $100,000 from Dan Noonan, principal of Argosy Securities Inc. The Foundation also partnered with the Mayor of Burlington’s ‘Inspire Burlington Series’ to present #SickNotWeak with Michael Landsberg to further support mental health education.
In 2017, the Foundation and RBC presented “Talking Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Prosperity”, a night of community conversation to help young Canadians build personal and professional success, and to provide insights on how to navigate their transition into employment. The Foundation also welcomed inspirational ME to We speaker Spencer West to a sold-out community event to encourage everyone to share their time and talents, and to give financially what you can to support those less fortunate, locally and around the world.
Celebrating a year of success, the 2017 Share to Care gala recognized 2017 Philanthropist of the Year, Dr. Wally Pieczonka, founder of Gennum Corporation, and founding member of Burlington Foundation. Wally’s sustainable support of both the visual and performing arts is noted in our community’s history.
The Foundation launched the 2017-18 Vital Signs Report, extending its partnership with RBC as a lead partner on the Report highlighting the challenges faced by our young adults as they transition into employment.
Continuing the Foundation’s work in bringing people together, the Brilliant Business Circle program launched in 2018 with 22 businesses joining forces to provide $50,000 in new grants to seven charities. The program helps to educate businesses on the areas of greatest need and to inform them of the amazing charities supporting those most vulnerable.
In 2018, the Foundation hosted People Power 2018, presenting the new Brilliant Business Circle grants and recognizing Dorothy Borovich as the 2018 Distinguished Philanthropist. Dorothy is a true community hero providing countless hours of her time and gifting to causes that she is most passionate about.
New successes continue to emerge in 2019 through the Foundation’s collaboration with local leaders, charities, generous donors and community partners.
Helping change the future of youth, a new residential home for Halton Children’s Aid Society opened its doors in 2019 in Burlington as part of a tri-lateral agreement with Burlington Foundation and the Hamilton and Oakville Community Foundations.
This loan agreement has made it possible for the Society to purchase a much-needed new transitional home for youth. This is the Foundation’s first social impact investment.
Continuing the tradition of thanking those who give so generously of their time, knowledge and financial means, the 2019 Distinguished Philanthropist, Angelo Paletta, will be recognized at the Foundation’s 20thanniversary celebration in October 2019. Angelo is the head of Paletta International, a Foundation supporter and significant contributor to many local causes.
Granting and Funds: A 2019 Update
