Like many, Rosalind and Dieter Kays feel they are blessed to live in this community. And, they think it's only proper to pass some of those blessings back to others who have not been so fortunate. 

Their strong personal values and deep-seated faith have inspired them to take an active role in supporting a number of causes including their church and local and international relief organizations. 

This past year the Kays took their charitable giving one step further when they set up a family…

After his late wife passed away in 2004, Brian Fisher knew that he wanted to honour her memory. Christine Fisher was an avid golfer and supporter of the Golf Association of Ontario. While considering a donation in Christine's name to the Golf Association, one of Brian's KPMG colleagues suggested to him that he set up an endowment fund.

"That got me thinking about The KWCF and the work they were doing in the community," shares Brian.

Brian met with The KWCF and set up a scholarship in…

A new initiative rallying philanthropists in Waterloo Region has begun. Social Venture Partners Waterloo Region (SVPWR) is a network of community-minded individuals who combine financial contributions and professional skills with a passion for philanthropy.

Leveraging their collective expertise and resources, SVPWR connects with and strengthens promising non profit organizations.

Founded by Tim Jackson and Jacqui Murphy from Tech Capital Partners, SVP was first introduced by KWCF CEO,…

'Don't just stand by, stand up' was a phrase
passionately used by a remarkable young woman whose life was tragically cut short as a result of a horseback riding accident in May of 2009.

Those few words provided the foundation on which France-Anne Sweeny built her life's dreams, ambitions, and passions. "No matter what she was doing, she always strived to be a better person and bring out the best in others," shares her mother, Marie-Josée.

Earlier in her life, France-Anne battled with…

Lending a helping hand, The Lions Club
of Kitchener is committed to building a stronger community.

In 2009, the Lions Club established the Community Service Fund at The KWCF. "We came to the conclusion that in order to keep doing the good work we were doing, we needed to build a reserve," shares Dr. Jack Bishop, the Club's Finance Chair and visionary of the fund. "Given the services they provide to the community, The KWCF was a good vehicle in which to pool those funds."

Adhering to…

From humble beginnings in a nearby town,
Arthur Edward (Ted) Johnson led a successful business life in Kitchener-Waterloo. A World War II veteran, Ted was employed for more than 42 years in a variety of positions at the Dominion Rubber Company (subsequently Uniroyal), until retiring in 1986.

In his personal life, he was an active volunteer, avid fisherman, great friend to dogs, enjoyed flying model airplanes, and loved to travel.

Products of the great depression, Ted and his wife Audrey…

How does a family deal with the loss of a family member?

In 2007, Mike and Suzanna tragically lost their 15 year old son Alex. In an effort to manage their grief and honour their son's memory, Alex's parents, and his brother Jordan, decided to set up a memorial fund at The KWCF.

"Helping others, particularly the youth in our community, is one way we cope with losing Alex," says Alex's mother Suzanna. "Establishing a Donor Advised Fund at The KWCF gave us flexibility and the time we needed…

The tenants from the University of Waterloo Research + Technology Park have banded together to make a difference in their community now and for the future.

The UW Research + Technology Park Activities Committee (R+T PAC) - consisting of representatives from 43 companies, totaling 1,300 employees was formed in 2007 to help plan events for the Park's tenants.  Some of the tenants approached Carol Stewart, Business Development Manager of the UW Research Park, to run a golf tournament two…

Increasingly, philanthropists are choosing to provide their charitable donations anonymously so that they can concentrate on the effects of assisting others without making themselves the focal point.

The newly established Hughraine Fund was set up to help improve the lives of those less fortunate. 

These anonymous donors researched their options and were referred to The KWCF through Amnesty International.  After speaking with a number of foundations, the donors felt that The KWCF was the…

The Amy Hallman Snyder Award Fund held at The KWCF was originally earmarked for the Waterloo County and Area Quilt Festival, which is no longer operational. "The award is in memory of our mother, who like many women of her time used crafts as a form of recreation. These women were artists but were never recognized as such. They were women who did beautiful work in knitting, crocheting and quilt making." said Marion Martin, founder of the fund. Marion and her family are excited that the fund…

With that thought in mind, the Goods were ready to establish the Sharon and Paul Good Fund to help address the needs of their community. "There comes a time in your life when you're in a position to give back, and for us, that time is now," says Paul. "We are very fortunate that we have the means and opportunity to contribute to our community."

They chose to make that difference through The KWCF. They already knew that The KWCF helps improve the lifestyles of local citizens and that the…

Helping others less fortunate has always been a passion for David and Susan Bender. So much so, that even when their own children were small, each member of the Bender family sponsored a child from a third world country. That tradition of giving is still alive and well today.

Although originally from communities outside of Waterloo Region, both David and Susan wanted to root themselves deeper in Kitchener-Waterloo. Their first thought was to establish a private foundation. However, after…

Just over four years ago, BMO Harris Private Banking and Community Foundations of Canada launched Supporting Your Community, the first philanthropic collaboration between a major Canadian financial institution and community foundations.

Since that time, Supporting Your Community (which includes the BMO Nesbitt Burns® Charitable Giving Program) has helped Canadians establish donor-advised funds with their BMO Financial Group investment professionals - all with the charitable giving expertise…

Thirty-six years ago, Horace Coelho bought a one-way ticket from India to Montreal to seek a better life.  Unfortunately, Canada was facing a major recession in 1972 and he had a difficult time finding employment and accomodations. Luckily Horace was introduced to "Hazel" - a poor widow living in the suburbs. She welcomed Horace into her home, providing him with food, shelter and much needed support.

"Hazel gave me the encouragement, hope, courage, and confidence I needed," says Horace. "In…

In 1976, the charter members of the BF Goodrich Foremen's Club made a commitment to their community.

Thirty years later, as the Foremen's Club closed in July 2006, the remaining members delivered on that commitment with a $280,000 gift to the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Foundation.

This unrestricted gift to the Community Fund, generated by the sale of the clubhouse and seventeen acres of land, will continue to help local charities and community initiatives for generations to come. "We were…

For fifty years, John Robins dedicated himself to Waterloo Region's marching band community.

He was deeply involved in several local corps such as the The Flying Dutchmen Senior and Junior Drum & Bugle Corps, The NorthStar from Kitchener-Waterloo, The DutchBoy Cadets, and The DutchBoy Drum and Bugle Corps. He also played a founding role in other regional groups such as The Kiwanis Kavaliers and The Ventures.

Over the years, John mentored thousands of young musicians, inspired them to…

When Hilde English passed away on June 29, 2006, she left a legacy.

The bright, articulate lawyer joined The KWCF Board in 1998 and served until her death. But Hilde was also involved with many other community organizations. She received the 1999 Oktoberfest Woman of the Year award in the professional category, was awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, and last year, with her husband John, received the Shamrock Charities Tim Fitzpatrick Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award.

The…

The first K-W Chamber Corporate Challenge took place in 1984. It became a regional and charitable event in 1996 when the Chambers of Commerce of Cambridge and Elmira/Woolwich joined in the fun.

Annual proceeds are donated to the Community Foundations of Kitchener and Waterloo, and Cambridge and North Dumfries. The Chambers believe that a partnership with the Community Foundations gives the Corporate Challenge the most "bang" for its charitable buck. It's the perfect vehicle because the…

Jack Middlemass loved baseball. He was a player, a coach, an umpire and a mentor. Jack was a leader who knew the value of teamwork and good sportsmanship. "Jack adored the kids he worked with and adored the game," says Bev Middlemass, Jack's wife. "He loved to help the kids and watch them grow."

The R. Jack Middlemass Memorial Scholarship continues Jack's legacy. The scholarship is awarded to an enthusiastic baseball player requiring financial assistance for post-secondary education. " This…

Victoria D'Agostino was admired by everyone whose lives she touched. Her kindness and generosity towards others, combined with her enthusiasm for life, her athletic accomplishments, and her academic achievements were inspirations to all who knew her. Tragically, all of this promise for an exceptional future was brought to a sudden end when eight-year-old Victoria met an untimely death in December of 2002.

Turning tragedy into comfort was the goal of the Victoria D'Agostino Children's Benefit…

Ken Murray has been an enthusiastic and generous supporter of the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Foundation for many years. He was a member of the committee that established the Foundation in 1984, its President from 1985-88 and a member of the Board for several years.

With his lifelong interest in music and theatre, Ken has set up the Ken Murray Fund to support young people who are working in new directions and moving the boundaries in these areas. "By establishing an endowment like this, I…

The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation helps people make anonymous donations. An example is the newly created Spinnaker Fund.

A "spinnaker" (a sail that assists the primary sails) balances the boat or provides additional sail power. The Spinnaker Fund is aptly named. It will provide additional financial power to help meet the health and education needs of the KW community.

The donors chose to establish a fund that allows them to participate in grant-making. In their words,…

Being an active part of the community has always been a priority for Jim and Sandy Beingessner. As members of many charitable organizations throughout the community, the Beingessners understand the need for funding. With the creation of the Jim and Sandy Beingessner and Family Fund, they will be able to help the community in a regular and lasting way. "We wanted to establish an endowment in our community that will assist charities in our lifetime and allow our children to maintain and grow…

The Marsland family has strong connections in our community. Those connections were made stronger with the establishment of the Florence Louise Marsland Fund at the Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation.

With her family established and her great-grandchildren in school, Florence felt the need, during her lifetime, to make a special gift that would help others. Her son Larry, suggested the KWCF for her gift. Larry first came in contact with the Foundation through a donation to the KW…

It began when the young daughter of a friend lost her battle with cancer.

John Weber and Ron Swark, who had just turned 50, decided to hold a barbeque to raise funds for the Children's Wish Foundation. That was seven years ago and since then the two friends have held a barbeque every year, raising almost $250,000 to help children who are challenged by disability or disease.

The Fifty Plus team grew to include Gerry Shorn, Dave Smith, Dave Mansell and Walter Nudyk. Two years ago, they began…

Community Foundation welcomes Moe Norman Memorial Fund

Recently, a group of local community leaders came together to ensure one man's extraordinary legacy lives on. Best known as one of the greatest ball strikers in the history of golf, Moe Norman was a regular figure at local golf courses. He had a passion for golf and the children of our community. After Moe's passing a year ago, his trustees saw an opportunity to continue Moe's legacy through The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation.…

Access to arts and cultural activities is one of the key strengths in any community.

Many organizations providing these activities in our area are struggling due to lack of resources and funding. The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation is now able to make a difference to these organizations through the generosity of The Ontario Trillium Foundation.

As part of a $25,000 grant, the KWCF will look for ways to build and maintain strong arts, culture and heritage organizations for the…