The Kindest Man on Bay Street?

Blake Goldring

As CEO of AGF Management, Blake Goldring was honoured with the industry’s coveted Person of Influence Award at the 2007 Canadian Investment Awards. You’d be more likely to associate him with the glitz of Bay Street than with giving back to the community in oh so many ways, and creating a not-for-profit organization.

As one mode of giving back, Blake is Chairman of Canada Company. He founded this apolitical organization in 2006, to bring community leaders across Canada together to support Canadian soldiers in the work they do at home and abroad. Blake’s initiative provides practical help and hope to members of our armed forces, and to the families who love them. Since its inception, the foundation has created a $2.1 million Scholarship Fund. In a unique event on September 3, a frigate will be sailing into Toronto to act as an impressive backdrop to awarding scholarships to students who have lost a parent in active duty.

Blake holds an Honours BA in Economics from the University of Toronto and a Masters of Business Administration from INSEAD in France. Blake and his wife Belinda have three teenaged daughters and live in Toronto. He enjoys spending time outdoors and counts golf, tennis and fishing among his favourite after-work activities Blake is also an Honorary Colonel of The Royal Regiment of Canada, the second-largest Reserve Force Infantry Regiment.

How would others describe you?

I think they would say I am a fervent Canadian, who is passionate about different issues, and that I demonstrate leadership in different areas. I certainly don’t shirk away from a challenge; I’d rather engage in a difficult situation to work for a better outcome.

What do you think makes you unique?

I never consider myself unique. But I have a great passion to get involved in things I think are meaningful: the environment, education, and grooming the next cadre of leaders. I get a huge buzz spending time with young people because of their freshness of ideas. My grandfather was one of the first to sit on what is now the United Way, and my father had always been a major contributor to causes, so there is a carry-through from my family.

What is your biggest motivator?

I want to make a difference in the lives of others, both in business and in the community at large. A community works best when there is a spirit of sharing and openness, and each of us has certain strengths and capabilities that allow us to share and contribute. Those of us in business actively enjoy certain benefits which should be shared,. This could be time, experience and contacts as well as financial sharing. Sharing is always enriching because you learn so much. When I was younger, I was focused on getting the right career launch, home life, learning skills and supplementing my education. At a certain point when you have grown as a person and know yourself better, you are more focused on how you spend your time. With time and good health, plus a bit of determination, then toss in some experience, knowledge and other resources … you can do some incredible things.

When you hit 50, it’s interesting that you think about the amount of time you have and the number of things there are to do in this great world. To be giving and helping others in whatever capacity it might be – working in a soup kitchen in a hospital, financial contribution to the arts, active participation in something – it all helps to bring a sense of satisfaction.

What do you consider your biggest achievement?

Growing a small Canadian enterprise into an international organization brings a sense of accomplishment. I’m proud of raising a family. And I’m proud of being involved and helping make a difference in those areas where I’m an active contributor. I serve organizations to move them ahead, not simply to get my name on a letterhead.

What do you want to achieve in life now?

This is a time to bring real focus on some of the areas I have chosen to devote more of my attention to. With the military for instance, the link between the broader community and our armed forces is important. All that we appreciate reposes on the fact we enjoy safe, secure sound environment to go about our lives. Without it all bets are off.. Our military is populated by hardworking people who risk the ultimate sacrifice. Even though they chose this life and don’t ask for much, we owe a debt to them. We try to help through the scholarship fund, as well as a significant program for camps for children of deployed soldiers

How would you like your own story to inspire others?

I have great hope that people would get active in whatever way they can to serve the community. All of us have something to give, whether it’s background, experience, finance, contacts, resources, or a combination. Just being available. The sense of satisfaction from this is immeasurable.

What would you like to be remembered for?

As a good father, a good leader, who made a difference in whatever organization he was involved in and who made a lasting and positive impact on others. The things we do at AGF help others to achieve their financial dreams, which in turn helps them to put kids through college, be philanthropic and have a good retirement. I can feel good and passionate about what I do.

by Editor

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[Tags: Giving Back, over 50 in Toronto, philanthropy, Toronto pepole]

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