A new year is often a time for聽new beginnings, and the Victoria Foundation is no exception.
With the coming of the new year, we are recognizing the contributions of Deirdre Roberts as she steps down as president of our honorary governors, and we are welcoming former board chair Rasool Rayani as he steps into the role.
Roberts is also a former board chair, and her contributions to the Victoria Foundation can鈥檛 be overstated. She will stay on as an honorary governor and we鈥檙e so glad she will continue be a part of our organization. It鈥檚 wonderful to see Rayani, a more than familiar face here at the foundation, take hold of the reins. I鈥檓 sure we will see great things happen under his leadership.
I consider our honorary governors program to be one of our most treasured assets here at the foundation, and one that maybe not a lot of people know much about.
It began in 1996, just as the Victoria Foundation celebrated its 60th anniversary. The group came into being under the distinguished leadership of Jane Rogers, and prominent Victorians were named as the first honorary governors. The group鈥檚 first meeting was held at Jane鈥檚 home and they quickly set out to raise the profile of the foundation by acting as goodwill ambassadors, encouraging others to offer their support.
At the time, the Victoria Foundation had a small staff and limited assets, in comparison with today, but the honorary governors rolled up their sleeves to help out. They served on committees, helped build foundation assets, hosted social events and even handed out cheques to local charities. Under the leadership of past presidents such as Grania Litwin, Ralph Roberts, Muriel Kovitz, Ian Izard and Chuck Burkett, their support and involvement has been instrumental in turning the Victoria Foundation into what it is today.
One of the group鈥檚 greatest legacies has been the establishment of its own fund, which annually supports the Victoria Foundation鈥檚 Vital Youth program. This program each year gives dozens of secondary school students the chance to decide for themselves how to grant funds to聽local charities and, in the process, learn about critical issues in our community. In 2018 alone, students from 10 schools in this program granted more than $22,000 to local charities.
As time has passed, membership in the honorary governors has steadily increased, even though we鈥檝e seen many beloved and generous members pass away. Today, the 48 people who make up its current membership are an inspiring group of individuals who, by coming together, are able to make a big difference.
I hold dear our group of honorary governors and I know under the guidance of Rayani they will continue to act as exceptional representatives of the Victoria Foundation out in our community and beyond.
Sandra Richardson is CEO of the Victoria Foundation.
