(Victoria, B.C. ) June 5, 2019 — “Relentlessly pursuing a future where everyone belongs.” That’s the focus for close to 800 philanthropic leaders and community builders from across Canada and around the world who are coming together in Victoria this week to explore how to go “all in” for healthier, more sustainable and resilient communities.
Against a backdrop of unprecedented global and local change, #AllIn2019 will be a key moment to explore how philanthropists are using their power, resources and networks to accelerate positive change for communities.
“Our communities find themselves at a crossroads. No single sector can address the challenges of today and the future alone. The way we connect, do business and empower each other needs to shift if we are going to pursue a future where everyone belongs,” says Andrew Chunilall, CEO with Community Foundations of Canada. “We need to start doing things differently. Gatherings like this one are intended to galvanize action and help us take steps forward together with that purpose in mind.”
The #AllIn2019 conference, taking place from June 6 – 8, 2019 will attract leaders from 125 Canadian communities and 15 countries. The three-day event is a forum for exchange and learning, as well as an opportunity to hear from experts and leading speakers. The event will feature more than 80 speakers and 56 interactive learning sessions.
Jess Tomlin, CEO of The MATCH International Women’s Fund as well as Jessica Houssian, Senior Advisor of Women Moving Millions, both co-founders of the new Equality Fund will host Brave, Bold and Feminist: The Future of Philanthropy, a sold-out pre-conference evening event on June 5. The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development and Women and Gender Equality who recently announced the Government of Canada’s $300M investment into gender equality through the Equality Fund will take part in the event on June 6. Community foundations will be key to delivering the Equality Fund going forward.
“The Equality Fund and the three domestic funding partnerships we announced earlier this week — including with Community Foundations of Canada — represent a new and innovative way of supporting and ensuring the sustainability of women’s organizations at home and abroad,” said Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality, Maryam Monsef. “I’m particularly pleased that through the work of the CFC, we will be helping reach women and women’s organizations in communities large and small, urban and rural, right across Canada.”
Organizers of the event have worked closely with Victoria Foundation as the host and local organizations to welcome delegates and showcase Victoria’s unique heritage and cultures.
Sandra Richardson, CEO of the Victoria Foundation notes, “The Victoria Foundation is thrilled to be hosting this exceptional gathering. In the same way that our Vital Signs program catalyzes community conversations and dialogue, so too does this biennial gathering. I think the key is getting informed, sharing knowledge and then taking action on the issues that matter. We’re looking forward to a productive three days.”
Through a partnership with the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, local First Nations have played a key role in the preparation so as to welcome community leaders to the territory in a good way.
“We are pleased that CFC has actively worked to include Indigenous teachings and culture within their programming and we are happy the Victoria Native Friendship Centre was able to provide guidance in this area,” says Ron Rice, Executive Director of VNFC. “It has been a mutually beneficial learning journey.”
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About Community Foundations of Canada
Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) is the national network for Canada’s 191 community foundations. CFC’s purpose is to relentlessly pursue a future where everyone belongs. Combined, the network holds $5.8 billion in assets and reaches 90% of Canadian communities. It is part of a global network of more than 1,800 place-based foundations in over 75 countries around the world.
Media interested in attending the event or arranging an interview should contact:
Geneviève Vallerand
Director of Communications
Community Foundations of Canada
613-266-6917
gvallerand@communityfoundations.ca
