By Ben Brown- Originally published on Oakville News The Oakville Community Foundation celebrated its 30th anniversary on May 30, 2024, planting 300 trees with Oakvillegreen at Valleyridge Park. Among those in attendance were Acting Mayor Marc Grant, Oakville Community Foundation (OCF) CEO Wendy Rinella, and Oakvillegreen President Karen Brock. As a 360-degree granting organization, the […]
Meet James Hodgson, Owner of Nish Tees and maker of the Debwewin Oakville t-shirts!
James Hodgson is the owner of Nish Tees and the designated t-shirt supplier in support of Debwewin: The Oakville Truth Project. A member of the Anishinaabe Loon Clan, James has a special connection to Oakville and understands the importance of recognizing the original inhabitants of the land we call home. As an Indigenous ward of […]
Why Blair and Sharon Richardson chose to create a Bequest Fund with The Foundation
When Blair and Sharon Richardson were in the process of revising their Will, they sat down with their two kids to have a talk about what they were thinking of doing: creating a Bequest Fund with the Oakville Community Foundation. They wanted to leave their kids some money but also wanted to continue to give […]
Remembering Gerry Wilson
“We were all fortunate and better off for knowing her” Lisa Helsdon recalls her mother with great fondness, love and wistfulness. There are both tears and laughter when she speaks about the woman who she describes as generous, fun loving and a great humanitarian as well as a beloved mother and grandmother. Gerry Wilson passed […]
Oakville-based Windmill Microlending recipient shares her experience
Megan Badenhorst moved from South Africa to Oakville in January 2020 with her family and a plan; to get settled, to requalify in Ontario as a lawyer and to be back in legal practice within a year. What she didn’t account for was the global COVID-19 pandemic that locked down the province, delaying and cancelling […]
Inspiring Generations of Giving: The Peternelj Family
“When you help other people you’re also helping yourself.” One of The Foundation’s newest Fundholders, Rudy Peternelj learned at a young age the importance of giving back. Today, as a busy father of three teenage daughters and with a thriving career, Rudy wanted to make sure he carved out time for philanthropy. With the help […]
The “Philanthropic Talk”
Professional Advisors play a critical role in helping their clients create and realize their philanthropic vision. As Oakville’s Leading Philanthropic Solutions Provider, we continued this year with the goal of educating and engaging local Professional Advisors and making them aware of the charitable gift options that are available for their clients. The uncertainty of the […]
Shape & Inspire Your Legacy – “The Noble Effort”: Don Noble’s family legacy
What does it mean to leave a lasting legacy? When we pass on from this life, our remaining family members and friends are often faced with the struggle of making final arrangements during a time of tremendous grief. You can alleviate the stress on your family and ensure that your wishes and passions are celebrated […]
The Louise Mary Whiten Memorial Fund
On December 3, 2020, Louise Mary Whiten, a wife and mother, and her dog Zack were both struck and killed by an impaired driver on their daily walk around the neighbourhood. Louise and her family had just moved to Oakville after finding their dream home and were excited about living in their new community. Louise […]
Zara Buren Memorial Foundation
While horse riding on a trail with her mother on September 21st, 2020, our fiercely brave daughter, Zara, became trapped in a marshy bog. In her struggle to save her beloved horse, Monkey, Zara tragically lost her life. After her passing, the outpouring of support and love from people around the world was astounding. Though […]
