Each issue Foundation Magazine provides a mini-profile of five people whose work and commitment make Canada a more liveable country. We thank them for their service.
Kelsey Barker is the Program Manager and Volunteer & Community Engagement for the Vancouver Food Runners. Kelsey brings her years of experience in food business and food systems research to this position. She is passionate about sustainability and connecting with the wonderful volunteers that make VFR’s mission possible. Kelsey holds a BA in Geography from UBC, a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems & Security from KPU and is currently working on completing her MA in Environmental Practice at Royal Roads University. Kelsey is the Garden Coordinator at her local community garden and enjoys championing the importance of access to green space and connection to growing your own food. In 2023, Vancouver Food Runners (VFR) scaled by 51 percent in terms of pounds of food delivered by volunteers to support Metro Vancouver nonprofits operating essential food programs. Through rain, snow, weekends, and holidays, dedicated VFR volunteers completed 6,959 food rescues and delivered 1.26 million pounds of food (the equivalent of 1 million meals) – a truly remarkable community achievement.
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Don Romano, President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada was honoured by Canadian Black Book with the Icon Award during this year’s TalkAuto conference. The award recognizes leaders for their exceptional leadership in the automotive industry and for paving the way for future generations by demonstrating a track record of innovation, transformation, and resilience. Romano was selected for his transformation of Hyundai Canada’s corporate culture and the successful introduction of a unique Genesis business model to the Canadian automotive industry. The award was presented by mentee and Accelerate Auto founder Christopher Nabeta, who applauded Don for his time mentoring underrepresented groups, supporting numerous CSR initiatives towards disadvantaged youth, and implementing hiring practices and routine training with the aim of providing equal opportunities for everyone in or considering entering the automotive industry.
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Lee Pauzé is Executive Director of The Friends of Algonquin Park. Since 1983, The Friends of Algonquin Park have been actively involved in supporting Algonquin Park’s interpretive trails. Whether coordinating Adopt-A-Trail volunteers to report problems, focusing maintenance efforts, publishing millions of copies of educational trail guides, or funding the creation of new trails, Algonquin Park’s hiking experiences would not be the same without the recreational, educational, and financial contributions of The Friends of Algonquin Park. The Canadian registered charity and non-profit, non-governmental organization established in 1983 for people passionate about Algonquin Park. They operate retail locations, recruit members, and fundraise to support the natural and cultural education goals of Algonquin Park.
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Sandra Lunder is the Philanthropy Specialist with The Resilience Institute. Sandra brings a holistic perspective to TRI’s philanthropic goals by developing sponsor and donor partnerships to create positive, impactful change. She leads our fund development initiatives with a wealth of experience in annual giving, major gifts, capital campaigns and donor relations. Sandra has a background in business and social work with over 20 years of experience in f und development and team management. She has worked with organizations such as Youth Central, Alberta Health Services, and the Calgary Stampede Foundation. The Resilience Institute was born from the passion of a number of social and natural scientists who felt there were huge disconnects between climate science, communication, and action on climate change. The registered charity is focused on minimizing suffering caused by climate impacts.
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John Heim is the Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications, for Harvest Manitoba. He’s also a professional cartoonist. Harvest is a not-for-profit, community-based organization, dedicated to nourishing the community, and the sense of community in Winnipeg. As Manitoba’s food bank, the need for its work has never been greater. Harvest Manitoba hit record-high numbers this past year, with over 50,000 people accessing their food banks each month somewhere in our province. Heim’s work is to ensure the awareness and support continues by communicating the organization’s work. They share food through 380+ agency food partners, a total of 13 million pounds of food this year. Nationally, food bank use has skyrocketed to over 2 million visits this past March. Food Bank capacity is being reached, and more and more people are worried about where their next meal will come from.
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