Innovators and philanthropists
The generous donors who helped to open the doors of the new Jane Street Hub
Donald K. Johnson and Anne McCowan Johnson
Don Johnson
Well-known Toronto philanthropists and longtime supporters of United Way, Don Johnson and Anna McCowan-Johnson have been integral to the realization of the Building Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy. The Jane Street Hub was possible in no small part thanks to their generous gift of $600,000. As well, the construction of Mid-Scarborough Hub—the first of eight planned for Toronto’s inner suburban neighbourhoods—would not have been possible without their financial support. “The good news is that the Mid-Scarborough Hub was actually constructed under budget, so there were surplus funds available after our first pledge,” explains Johnson. “We were happy to dedicate the balance of that to the Jane Street Hub and also provide additional funding to help make it happen here.” Community Hubs have allowed Johnson and his wife to show their dedication to keeping our communities strong and healthy. “The Jane Street Hub is a fabulous centre that provides a whole series of services, but it’s also a catalyst for people in this community to get together and connect with each other. It’s a wonderful thing for the whole Weston-Mt. Dennis community.”
Goldie Feldman, United Way Major Donor and philanthropist
Barry Green
As a lifelong supporter of United Way Toronto, Goldie Feldman has once again touched the lives of many in the city she cares so deeply about by contributing $250,000 to the construction of the Jane Street Hub. Feldman’s generosity is a trait that she has passed on to her children, who also have shown support for the development of United Way Toronto’s Community Hubs. “Goldie’s approach has always been the ‘living will’ approach. I’m really proud that she’s giving away much of her wealth to wonderful projects such as the Jane Street Hub,” explains her son Barry Green. In fact, it was Green who originally suggested to his mother that she make a significant gift in support of the Jane Street Hub. He did so at an event he and his wife hosted in 2008, where they shared the Hub’s story with their friends and colleagues in the real estate sector. Feldman attended and generously decided to support the construction of the Jane Street Hub. To honour Feldman, a Jane Street Hub Community Room is named after her and bears a plaque commemorating her gift.
Richard Talbot, RBC Capital Markets & RBC Foundation
Richard Talbot
For the past three years, the RBC Capital Markets’ Campaign Cabinet has been actively fundraising for United Way Toronto’s Jane Street Hub. In 2008, the Cabinet chose to fund the COSTI Room at the new Hub. Now open, COSTI Immigrant Services provides educational, social and employment services to newcomers in the Weston-Mount Dennis neighbourhood, helping them work and gain self-sufficiency. The Cabinet was able to fundraise $100,000 from a total of 21 donors, and also secured $50,000 from the RBC Foundation for a total donation of $150,000 for the construction of the Jane Street Hub. Representing the RBC Capital Markets and RBC Foundation at the Jane Street Hub launch, Richard Talbot explained why RBC employees feel that giving to United Way Toronto is so vital: “RBC has a long history with United Way Toronto. We believe very strongly in giving back to the community in a meaningful way.” Talbot also adds that, “There’s great recognition among our employees that there’s a huge need in our communities. The demands are there and we see that, so it’s important to give back.”
