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.

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Daniel Tisch is one public relations executive you’d definitely want to spend time with, such is his expression of compassion and leadership, evident through his entire being, and the way he runs his business and advises social enterprises. President of the premier independent PR firm Argyle Communications since 2003, and one of the founders of Social Venture Partners Toronto (SVPT), this Madrid-born and Toronto-raised 40-something is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist with two Queen’s University degrees, BA (Political Studies) and MBA (Marketing).

Dan is a member of the Queen’s University Council, a governor of Toronto’s North York General Hospital, a leader in Scouts Canada, as well as being the Chair-elect of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communications Management, the umbrella organization for the world’s major PR industry associations. He was named a Fellow of the Canadian Public Relations Society in May of 2010.

Wanting to extend his skills into engaged philanthropy, he was one of the founding members of SVPT, with a mission to invest in non-profit agencies working to alleviate poverty in Toronto. SVPT’s vision is to make a positive change in the lives of people in the Toronto community by creating networks of inspired philanthropists who work closely with non-profits in long-term partnerships by making capacity-building investments – cash and consulting skills – so they can grow. Put simply, SVPT has a “venture philanthropy” model, that helps non-profit agencies and social enterprises become more successful. (Watch the short video, and you’ll understand.) “It’s a really transformational model for all those that get involved,” said Dan.

We had questions for Dan about his undeniable success (next page)

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100% of funds raised go to the children

Perfect June weather for dining al fresco and for a pleasant afternoon sail came as a relief to over 200 Toronto corporate people as they headed over to Hanlan’s Point for a unique charity event. Rain would have put more than a damper on this special occasion.

Set Sail for Hope, an annual fundraiser for the past 23 years, invited 21 lucky Toronto organisations to make a donation to Camp Trillium in exchange for a mind-blowingly different event: no rubber chicken, no golf challenges, no silent auctions. Just an exquisite day out. with gourmet food and luxury yachts.

The most unusual aspect of this exclusive annual event is that absolutely no money is spent on producing it – time, food, supplies, staff, luxury yachts and crew are all donated. So, of the $181,000 raised in 2010 for Camp Trillium, can you guess how much went to the children that benefit from this well-run childhood cancer centre? All of it. Yes, 100%. The bottom line is that, this year, Set Sail for Hope directly benefits about 240 children with cancer, enabling them to have sensational camp experiences (along with their families) in what may be, for some kids, their last summer.

Put together each year by a mottley crew of a dozen volunteers, the event attracts 21 of Toronto’s top restaurants, 21 luxury yachts and 21 of Toronto’s most generous corporations. Add together great weather, multi-course gourmet al fresco lunches, entertainment and a spectacular pleasure sail on a 45ft plus sailboat, and you have a success on your hands.

It is such a well respected event, with so much Toronto support, that Mayor Miller and Toronto City Council proclaimed Set Sail for Hope Day in Toronto.

Set Sail for Hope has raised over $2 million for Camp Trillium in all, and has done so through a remarkable event. Interested in getting involved, booking a group for 2010, or making a donation? Please visit the website.

Participating caterers:

Acqua Fine Food,  Renaissance Down Town, Horseshoe Valley Resort, Delta Meadowvale Hotel, Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club, Epic – Fairmont Royal York,  King Street Food/Buca, International Centre, Brassaii, Mayes Brothers, Easton Group Of Hotels, The Miller Tavern, Westin Harbour Castle, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, One King West, Toronto Congress Centre, Sheraton Toronto, Delta Chelsea Hotel, Rodney’s Oyster House, Royal Canadian Yacht Club

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This is the final part of my Bolivia blog. While there, the problems I witnessed – abandonment of children and the brutal view on HIV/AIDS and it’s victims- are the outgrowth of the larger problem of extreme poverty. Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the largest gap between the rich and the poor. More than 45% of the children and 60% of the country live in on less than a dollar a day, which is defined as extreme poverty by the World Bank. One of the direct effects of extreme poverty is maternal health and child mortality. With more than 15,000 children dying each year under the age of one, 7,500 before they are one month old and 5% of mothers dying in childbirth, it only makes the need to help more urgent.

Through my ongoing work with UNICEF, I have learned about some of the global community’s efforts to quell extreme poverty. There is hope on that front. But how can we transfer some of the money in the developed world to little known places such as Bolivia? I look to the G8 Summit to be held in Canada in June of this year. The Millennium Goals will be under discussion at the summit and will address issues such as the eradication of poverty, provision of medical support and education to the poorest countries.

Remarkably, almost every Millennium Goal relates to what is happening in Bolivia today. If Bolivia can be lifted out of such endemic poverty, it would positively affect all of South America. We don’t have the luxury to turn our backs. We, as countries are inestimably intertwined. It behooves us all to help provide the opportunities to the poorer countries, giving them the chance to stabilize and create sustainable internal infrastructure to participate and realize their own potential. As they do, then we too will inevitably reap the benefits.

MILLENNIUM GOALS

Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education
Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women
Goal 4: Reduce child mortality
Goal 5: Improve maternal health
Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases
Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability
Goal 8: Develop a global partnership for development

(The last part of my ‘trip report’ appears on the next pages.)

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by Dayle Haddon

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the largest gap between the rich and the poor. More than 45% of the children and 60% of the country live in on less than a dollar a day, which is defined as extreme poverty by the World Bank.

The staff of the local NGOs say that the biggest challenge in Bolivia is the protection of children. Abuse, violence and abandonment are commonplace. The borders are not strictly enforced and trafficking of children through Bolivia is easy. From there, I was told, they can simply be walked across to a neighboring country. In fact, recently, a group of children who were trafficked from Haiti during the confusion of the earthquake ended up in the city of le Sucre, enroute to Paraguay. The government was working to find their families in Haiti and send them back safely.

We visited Breeze of Hope, a center for children who are victims of abuse and violence. I asked the age range of the victims and was told from one month to seventeen years old. Few cases get to court. Trials take years and they are too expensive for most. I was told that the court often blames the child for what happened. There are so many cases of rape that there is a demand for the death penalty or castration for those found guilty. This makes it very difficult for a child to accuse an aggressor especially when it is a family member. As we left the center, I noticed the children’s drawings framed on the wall. One was a self- portrait in crayon of a young girl looking out at us with huge tears flowing down to the bottom edge of the picture. Another drawing said it all. It showed a bedroom with a large closed door in the foreground. On a bed, face down was a little girl crying. Above her head was the caption which said, “ ?Porque yo’ “Why me?”     (more on next page)

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It’s rare. Very rare. But good. Spending $0 and raising $166,000 from one event, then sending every last penny of that to a group of local children struggling with cancer is no mean feat. And all this done against a backdrop of luxury yachts, gourmet food, and a uniquely upbeat charity event to which Toronto corporations and individuals enthusiastically divert their charitable giving.

A bunch of Toronto individuals with heart, that modestly describes themselves as a ‘rag-tag group’, has been volunteering their time for over 20 years to put on a mega-event that raises funds for worthy organizations. For more than a decade the beneficiary of Set Sail for Hope www.setsailforhope.com has been Camp Trillium www.camptrillium.com.

In all, the Set Sail for Hope crew has delivered close to $2 million for the benefit of children with cancer,  many of whose families face crippling economic challenges too. Set Sail for Hope helps the children and their families to experience rewarding summer camp experiences together. Sadly, for some of those children it may be their last summer.

2009 was a really tough year to be fund raising, with so many worthy causes and so much less charitable donation funding available from corporations and individuals. It was really hard on Camp Trillium too.

Fiona Fisher, Director of Fundraising at Camp Trillium said,”For Camp Trillium we are looking at this as a year of survival and hard work. We have lost more kids to cancer this year than any other year in our history. Every week I get an e-mail from our clinic coordinator telling me another child has passed away and every week I realize my life is so much easier even in recession than anyone of the children that go to our camps. I am lucky to be part of Set Sail for Hope and I thank you for all of your extra work this year to make the event a success and to ensure that Camp Trillium has money to send children living with cancer to camp.”

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Former supermodel establishes ‘WomenOne’ charity to help women from developing countries

It’s virtually guaranteed … you have seen the face of Dayle Haddon.  She has been in the beauty and fashion industry for over 35 years.

A baby boomer, a stunning beauty, both inside and out, and now an active UNICEF Ambassador, Dayle Haddon is the only model to have had four major cosmetic contracts with Revlon, Max Factor, Estée Lauder, and L’Oréal – for which she has been spokesperson for over 15 years. Dayle has adorned the covers of dozens of magazines internationally, and has starred in many beauty campaigns. All this happened after her years as a young ballerina with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, when she danced with the Bolshoi and the Kirov ballet companies when in Canada. Discovered by model maven Eileen Ford, then by photographer Guy Bourdin her career went into orbit.

Well into her highly successful modeling career, Dayle realized that women over 40 were not being represented by the beauty and fashion industry. She felt she had an opportunity to change that perception from the inside. She has since been on the forefront of this now well-known age revolution and the result has been two bestselling books on inner and outer beauty, both translated into more than six languages – Ageless Beauty and The Five Principles of Ageless Living.

Dayle spoke recently with Tempo Toronto.

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On any given night in Toronto, during the cold months of late fall and winter, a number of Out of the Cold shelters spring up around the city. From early November until late March, Out of the Cold at Holy Blossom Temple, located at Bathurst Street and Eglinton Avenue, opens its doors to feed up to 116 homeless guests.

In its 14^th year of operation, the Holy Blossom Out of the Cold is part of a coalition working to ease the plight of homelessness and socially isolated people in Toronto. Last year HBT’s Out of the Cold provided over 2,500 dinners and overnight shelter for over 750. Guests are offered a nutritious meal, nursing services, a warm place to sleep for the night, as well as clothing and other essentials.

In order to pull this off, Out of the Cold begins at 9 a.m., with volunteer crews working in unison on a  myriad of functions – from shopping for needed food and other items, to preparation of sandwiches (guests are given a bagged meal upon their departure), cooking dinner, dining room setup, serving, cleanup, security, entertainment, organizing beds and blankets for stay-overs, and ending with the breakfast crew that arrives at 5:30 a.m. the next day. Needless to say, it takes incredible coordination, and immense dedication from each and every person involved for this program to run like the well-oiled machine that it needs to be.

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I can only speculate. I haven’t worked out why yet.

Time was when all those Christmas-y traditions were top of my list, and I’d be hoping for fat snowflakes poised momentarily – and rather romantically – on the end of my nose as they melted away. The gifts, the wrapping, the ribbons, the feasting, the decorating… oh, what fun I had with it all.

The past few years, the tawdriness of it all seems to overwhelm. My dearly beloved suggested we get modern, and ‘download’ Christmas instead, this year. After all, he does have a shiny new iPhone. Even so, I don’t think the Download Your Favourite Holiday Traditions App has hit the market yet.

Then there was the guilt to deal with. In a last minute fit of anxiety, a pre-Christmas cocktail party was organized hurriedly. We had a fabulous time, lots of fabulous hors d’oeuvres, and our closest friends gathered with us. Goodness, we even played charades! That, and a rather splendid brunch with son number one and his partner, then Christmas was quite frankly over and done with.

I don’t feel like a grinch, I am not anti-Christmas in any way. Quite honestly, I just couldn’t be bothered. I didn’t want to either give or receive gifts this year: instead the family sponsored the purchase of goats in poor villages, and ensured that two impoverished high school age students in Africa were able to complete their last year of education. Helping out those with much, much less that we have here in Toronto – that felt much more like the spirit of Christmas, to me at least.

So I speculate. My hormones are acting up? That’s a great excuse for almost anything, even though it is the most likely cause.. My sons have grown and flown the nest, and there are no grandchildren to entertain – perhaps that’s why. If it’s because I’m growing older and thus more curmudgeonly, then that would be a terrible thing, and I’ll be right into therapy come new year.

What was your experience?

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Through ongoing Malawi mission, church group reaches out to impoverished village, and brings hope

Greg Harper, 52, has been a police officer for almost a quarter of a century, most of which has been spent with the emergency response unit (ERU, commonly known as the “SWAT” team). In a nutshell, when the public needs help they call the police, when the police need help they call the ERU. Greg is currently the unit commander for York Region, directing the handling of high risk situations. And if you were to meet him, you would feel most reassured that such a strong, calm individual with integrity to spare is directing a crack team that helps keep us all safe.

His caring nature led him to embark on a mission trip in the summer of 2006, instigated partly by his own personal faith journey which began following the death of a friend early that same year. He became a committed Christian, and joined a church. Eleven members of that church group, under the leadership of Minister David Sherbino, organized themselves to go on a mission to Kasenjere in Malawi to help the villagers finish a church that had been started over 10 years before. Greg and his wife Geri were two of the missionaries.

Greg had never really travelled before, and certainly not to a third-world country, which made the whole idea daunting to him. Until his return from Africa in September 2006, he did not realize it was to be a life changing experience. It was a humbling experience for Greg to see first hand how people struggle just to survive. It made him realize how lucky we are in Toronto, and how much many people take for granted. Predictably, he felt anger towards waste, ignorance, selfishness and complaining that prevails in parts of the westernized world.

“The biggest misconception about mission work, and I didn’t tune into it myself until the second time I went, is that it’s not about going and doing things for them – to build a school or a church for example, things they really can do for themselves,” said Greg. “What is more important, more impactful for them, is the time that we spend together: the fact that we travel all the way across the world just to be with them, and that they are not forgotten.”  (Continued, next page)

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