Lifestyles Magazine/Meaningful influence cover subject, philanthropist Peter Gilgan, through his foundation has made a significant commitment to combat climate change.
Gilgan has pledged $100 million as part of a larger $405 million commitment from nine Canadian families and foundations to address climate change over the next decade.
This represents the largest philanthropic contribution to fight climate change in Canadian history.
The $100 million pledge is part of the Climate Champions initiative, which aims to drive climate action and support Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
This initiative brings together various philanthropic organizations to maximize their collective impact on climate solutions.
The Climate Champions initiative has an ambitious goal of tripling climate philanthropy in Canada from about $100 million to over $300 million annually by 2030.
This is particularly significant as climate-focused philanthropy currently accounts for just 0.9% of total philanthropic giving in Canada, well below the global average of 1.6%.
Luke Gilgan, board member for the Peter Gilgan Foundation, emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, stating, “Climate change is impacting our lives more than ever. We are proud to be a part of this historic effort and invite all Canadian philanthropists to join us in stepping up to support climate solutions.”
While each organization will implement its own commitments, the nine partners, including the Peter Gilgan Foundation, have agreed to collaborate through the Climate Champions initiative to maximize their collective impact. This collaborative approach aims to leverage diverse strengths and expertise to drive meaningful climate action in Canada.
This significant pledge from Peter Gilgan and other philanthropists demonstrates a growing recognition of the urgent need to address climate change and the important role that private philanthropy can play in supporting innovative climate solutions.
The Peter Gilgan Foundation has supported a wide range of initiatives across various sectors, focusing on health care, education, and community development. Here are some notable contributions:
SickKids Hospital: The foundation donated $100 million to the SickKids VS Limits campaign, supporting the redevelopment of the SickKids campus, including the construction of the Peter Gilgan Family Patient Care Tower.
Trillium Health Partners: A historic gift of $105 million was made to Trillium Health Partners to support the construction of Canada’s largest and most advanced hospital, named “The Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital”.
St. Joseph’s Health Centre: In 2017, a $10 million donation was made to the Promise Campaign in tribute to Gilgan’s parents and childhood in Toronto.
Women’s College Hospital: A collaborative $12 million gift was provided alongside the Canadian Cancer Society to establish a significant partnership.
Seneca College’s Youth to Postsecondary (Y2P) Program: The foundation has supported this program, which aids vulnerable students in overcoming barriers to education by providing essential resources like laptops and textbooks.
Tour de Bleu: This cycling fundraiser raised $11.9 million for youth mental health services at the William Osler Health System1.
GTA Community Grants Program: The foundation supports essential community programs across the Greater Toronto Area through annual grants.
MaRS Discovery District Partnership: The foundation partnered with MaRS Discovery District to launch the Better Buildings Mission, aiming to create a sustainable built environment by supporting Canadian clean-tech ventures.
These initiatives reflect the foundation’s commitment to improving health care, education, and community well-being across Canada.