Fall 2009
Message from HCF
A Time to Celebrate
Celebrating philanthropy is at the forefront in this edition
of Legacy as we recognize National Philanthropy Awareness
Day in November. It’s a time to appreciate the role of
philanthropy in strengthening community, and also to
consider what philanthropy – “the love of humankind” –
means in today’s world.
Ancient Greeks saw philanthropy as key to a civilized
society. Consider what philanthropy makes possible:
education, healthcare, the arts,
care for the vulnerable and for
the environment, and you’ll
ANew
see that those philosophers
had wisdom for all time.
Leader
Some people understand
philanthropy as the domain
for HCF
Terry Cooke at the media
of the wealthy; but the facts conference with his three
prove otherwise. Statistics children, Lane O’Hara,
Canada reports that 92 percent of Hamiltonians give to
Wilson and Frances.
charity and 52 percent volunteer. Certainly not all of
them are wealthy or have idle time at their disposal; but
For Terry Cooke, who becomes HCF’s new President
they all recognize the importance, and the satisfaction,
and CEO effective January 1, the position brings
of engaging in their community.
together all facets of a long and distinguished
This issue of Legacy spotlights the Swire family, for
career that, since 1983, has included extensive
whom philanthropy is a foundational family value.
public and community service, volunteerism and
We’ve provided some resources to stimulate your own
corporate experience.
thinking, and most important, you can read three stories
(on page 3) of how philanthropy is making a difference. Terry has owned his own management consulting firm
We also celebrate with long-time Foundation friends
since 2005 and previously was president of the Foxcroft
Thérèse and Kent Newcomb, who are being honoured as
Group of Companies in Hamilton. He was regional chair
Philanthropists of the Year on November 13. The Newcombs
of Hamilton-Wentworth for six years and served three
have had a central role in creating a new generation of
terms as a city and regional councillor.
philanthropists through HCF’s Youth Advisory Council. At the media conference announcement in October,
As Legacy went to print, HCF announced the exciting
Terry said he joins the Foundation with tremendous
appointment of Terry Cooke as President & CEO. Terry
enthusiasm and at the same time he is “humbled by the
noted his awe at the generosity that makes the Foundation’s
enormous responsibility.”
work possible, and honoured Carolyn Milne for her Board Chair Sandra Stephenson introduced Terry as
leadership. As we go forward under his direction, we do the Board’s unanimous choice based on his broad
so on Carolyn’s legacy of making real the importance of experience, his innovative and collaborative style, and
philanthropy both to strengthening a community and his passion for Hamilton – “a great champion both
enabling people from all walks of life to make a difference. for our Foundation and for our city.”
LEGACY • Fall 2009 Newsletter • Hamilton Community Foundation
1
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4