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It is difficult to read the preceeding 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. This report, which we worked on together prior to his unexpected
death, consists of the breathtaking number of initiatives he managed to complete
while focusing most of his time and talents as Executive Chairman of CanWest
Global Communications Corporation. One can only wonder at how much more he could
have accomplished had he been allowed to live.
The growth of The Asper Foundation, in size and scope of programming, has been
nothing short of inspirational. 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 several areas,
from education, health care, human rights studies, performances and lectures,
theatres and community centres both here in Canada and Israel.
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, inspired by our President, my father, Israel
Asper, is able to accomplish far more than our numbers would indicate. We are
effectively able to harness our financial and human resources in a way that
allows 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 the Asper family
members: Israel and Babs Asper, David and Ruth Asper, Leonard and Sue Asper and
my husband, Michael Paterson, and me.
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Gail Asper |
