The Wesley Clover Foundation has quietly but profoundly contributed to Kanata North and the broader Ottawa community with a focus on giving back.
The Wesley Clover Foundation rallies around initiatives that focus on enabling technology and innovation, academic development, and entrepreneurship as well as improving the overall welfare of the local community. Over the years, these efforts have translated into millions of dollars of support for local organizations, events, and projects that serve the Ottawa area.
A Legacy of Collaboration and Community Support
The evolution of Kanata North is intertwined with the efforts of the Wesley Clover Foundation with contributions that go beyond business and towards laying the groundwork for a community that supports both work and life.
In 2009 the Wesley Clover Foundation was founded as the philanthropic arm of Wesley Clover International with the aim to better strategize where donations and efforts should be focused to better assist the local community. Over the years, this commitment has translated into over $30 million dollars of support for local organizations, events, and initiatives.
“A physical footprint of amenities naturally began to happen in Kanata North.”
In collaboration with the city and the local business community, the Wesley Clover Foundation has played a role in shaping Kanata North and its transition from a rural industrial park into a vibrant tech hub. Some of this transformation can be traced back to the services and amenities required by the large footprint initially laid down by tech giants Mitel and Newbridge Systems. It is the collective efforts of the Foundation and its community partners such as, the Kanata North Business Association, Hub350 and Ottawa philanthropic organizations that have assisted in helping to support those in need.
“A physical footprint of amenities naturally began to happen in Kanata North to ensure the right conditions for business success,” says Martin Vandewouw, President of KRP Properties. “Space was needed for employees to work, companies also needed places for customers and partners to stay and eat when visiting and as business opportunities grew, conference and meeting spaces were required.”
Recognized as Canada’s largest tech park, Kanata North brings technology, talent, and innovation together. The Kanata North Tech Park stands as a testament to the long-term efforts of many, not just in technology but in fostering a robust community to live, work, play, learn and innovate.
Fundraising Events That Strengthen the Community
Giving back to the community lies at the heart of the Foundation’s mission. The Foundation supports local philanthropic organizations and their events including the Capital City Condors, Christie Lake Kids, Maddy’s Gala, the Ride for the Rideau, Mud Girl and RBC’s Race for the Kids. It is also signature events such as the Lumière Charity Gala, Spurs & Sparkles, the Red Dragon Charity Golf Tournament, and the Magic of Lights, to name a few, that have donated millions to causes close to home. These events bring together corporate leaders, community members and volunteers in a shared effort to raise funds for charities such as, the Queensway Carleton Hospital, CHEO, the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation, the Ottawa Heart Institute, the Sens Foundation, Camp Quality and the Kanata Food Cupboard.
“It’s the entire community that comes together to make a difference.”
“It’s the entire community that comes together to make a difference and support these initiatives,” says Nyle Kelly, General Manager of the Brookstreet Hotel and Marshes Golf Club. “The Foundation may provide a platform, but it is the participation of so many – our volunteers, attendees and corporate sponsors – that makes these events and their impact possible.”
Over the years the cumulative effect of the philanthropic partnerships and efforts has had an important positive impact on the local community. Supported by many generous donors and sponsors as well as in kind contributions, these events demonstrate the collective power of the community to raise awareness and create lasting change.
Building a Lasting Legacy
The philanthropic focus of the Wesley Clover Foundation extends beyond events with initiatives like Wesley Clover Parks, a not-for-profit, four-season outdoor recreation and learning hub dedicated to promoting health and education in the National Capital Greenbelt that encircles the City of Ottawa.
“The important aspect of play was answered by a focus on giving back to the community in the form of green spaces, walking paths, biking and cross country skiing trails and golf courses.”
“The important aspect of play was answered by a focus on giving back to the community in the form of green spaces, walking paths, biking and cross country skiing trails and golf courses,” says Karen Sparks, Executive Director of Wesley Clover Parks, “We are incredibly proud of our mandate at the Parks where we offer first class, sustainable facilities, programs and services, delivering healthy outdoor education, recreation, sport and event experiences for Ottawa residents and visitors.”
Working with KRP Properties, the Foundation has also focused its efforts to directly help the Kanata North community in supporting local organizations by providing free temporary space for youth groups, sports clubs, and educational programs as well as subsidized tenancy for not-for-profits who provide vital services to the community such as, the Kanata Food Cupboard, Matthew House, the Kanata Research Park Family Centre and Boy Scouts.
The impact of the Wesley Clover Foundation on Kanata North and Ottawa’s social fabric is undeniable, and it is due in large part to the shared vision of countless individuals who work in partnership with the Foundation and the local philanthropic organizations and community groups to make a difference year after year.
By Kate Chappell, OBJ, and Veronica Farmer, Wesley Clover International
