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A Message from Gail Asper, President |
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It is hard to believe that so many years have passed since the unexpected death of my father, Israel Asper, in 2003. I find it very difficult to read the preceding words of my father without feeling a great sense of loss, not just for our family but also for the world. After a life of building a business, he was greatly looking forward to devoting his considerable energy, creativity and resources to philanthropy. We have, however, taken up the ambitious vision for his foundation. Whether it is projects as broad as the creation of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg or innovative programs like the Edible Garden in Israel, we have set the bar high. Since its creation in 1983, the Foundation has evolved from writing one or two cheques for major community-based groups, to being the lead donor and creator of innovative programming in areas such as culture, education and training, healthcare, community development and human rights locally, nationally and internationally. To be able to play a role in the foundation’s numerous activities is indeed an honour and a privilege. Knowing that each and every day your actions affect the lives of others and have a positive impact is obviously one of the most gratifying things about working with the foundation. Our small but dedicated team is inspired by my father’s original vision and passion in order for us to achieve our goals of leaving the world a better place than the way in which we found it. This is accomplished by initiating and focusing our energies on major projects, by addressing unmet needs in the community and by sticking to our philosophy of only taking on initiatives which would not be completed without The Asper Foundation’s involvement.
The Asper Foundation is fueled by the ideas and
commitment of its Trustees; Babs Asper, Leonard Asper, Ruth Asper, Richard
Leipsic and me. We also gratefully acknowledge Moe Levy, our Executive Director
since 1999. Without his leadership, the accomplishments of The Asper Foundation
would not be possible.
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