The Asper family believes that philanthropy is a driving force behind positive change in people’s quality of life throughout the world. For this reason, The Asper Foundation was formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1983 to build upon the philanthropic objectives of Dr. Israel Asper and the Asper family.

The Asper Foundation undertakes and develops major initiatives in the areas of culture, education, community development and human rights locally, nationally and internationally. A number of major initiatives in corporate philanthropy are also carried out by the Asper family through their control of the CanWest Global Communications Charitable Foundation.

In the recent past, over $125 million has been donated to various charitable causes through these foundations. The Asper Foundation is working on a number of significant world-scale initiatives requiring several million dollars in up-front commitments. This website outlines the achievements and the dreams of the Asper Foundation.

 

New Brunswick Human Rights Commission Award

The New Brunswick Human Rights Commission confers Pioneer of Human Rights Award to The Asper Foundation for its Human Rights and Holocaust Studies Program. This prestigious award recognizes human rights pioneers for their historic contributions to the protection and promotion of human rights in Canada. Previous recipients include former New Brunswick Premier Louis J. Robichaud, Dr. Gordon Fairweather, BCL, LLD, QC, OC, ONB, and the Speaker of the Senate of Canada, Senator Noël A. Kinsella. Please click here for news release, click here for media coverage and click here for a photo of the award.

Tribute to Mr. Harry Zvi Hurwitz

The Asper Foundation offers its heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Harry Hurwitz on his untimely passing on October 1, 2008. To view more on this item, please click here.

Opening of Fourth Community Action Centre

The Asper Foundation, Jewish National Fund of Canada and the Jerusalem Foundation have established The Israel Asper Community Action Centre in Ramot, a suburb of Jerusalem, Israel.

This is the fourth centre created by The Asper Foundation including the Winnipeg Community Action Centre in Be’er Sheva and the Israel Asper Community Action Centres in Ofaqim and Migdal Ha’emek. To read more about this centre, please click here.