Employee Giving Month

As part of our 10^th Anniversary celebrations the Foundation has  launched Giving Month. Each of our 60 full-time, permanent staff members has directed a $10,000 grant to a charitable Canadian organization of their choice, with the option of making one $10,000 donation or two smaller donations. Staff chose to give to organizations in Toronto, across Canada and around the globe.

MasterCard Foundation staff met the challenge with enthusiasm, donating to nearly 70 organizations working in education and leadership development in communities across Canada. They chose to support organizations carrying on the legacy of Canadian leaders such as Attawapiskat’s Shannen Koostachin via Shannen’s Dream and Toronto’s Nahom Berhane. They also chose to give to organizations that work with at-risk youth in Toronto, such as Eva’s Initiatives for Homeless Youth as well as organizations that prioritize the health and well-being of refugees fleeing conflicts from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Syria, such as War Child and Hope for Orphans Congo.

For some employees, this was an opportunity to help those who are working towards solutions to national problems.

Steve Cumming, a program manager at the Foundation says he wanted to focus his donation on the challenges that marginalized young Canadians face finding employment.

“Egale and Miziwe Biik both have dedicated programs supporting at-risk young people in the LGBT and First Nations community, which include training and practical employment support,” Steve says. “These programs enable young people to gain the skills necessary to transition into the job market—securing employment, protecting against poverty and becoming role models in their community.”

For Dina Randrianasolo, Associate Program Manager with the Foundation’s Youth Livelihoods program, giving is about helping women who are walking the path she has already travelled.

“Canada is a land of opportunity, that’s why I have so much hope for young women in my community who are visible minority Francophone immigrants like me,” says Dina, who gave to Charité LEO (Leadership-Espoir- Opportunité).

“A total of 30 percent of these youth live in poverty in Ontario, which is twice as high as the provincial youth poverty rate,” she continues.  “Young women in particular face multiple systemic barriers that hinder their social and professional integration. Giving Month is a great opportunity for me to reach back and give these girls the same chance I had. This gift will give them a chance to build their leadership skills, have mentors, and become transformative leaders. I truly believe in their potential to make a difference for their communities, here in Canada and in their home countries.”

Alemayehu Konde Koira, Senior Program Manager in the Foundation’s Youth Livelihoods Program, gave to Young Diplomats Ethiopian Youth Development Group,. For Alemayehu giving was about ensuring that young Canadian-Ethiopians have more opportunities.

“I am inspired by Young Diplomats’ diligent efforts in reaching out to Ethiopian youth – largely immigrants and new to the local culture – to help and show them through all sorts of integration processes, provide mentorship and link them up with various academic institutions and beyond” He says.

“I think that the Foundation not only aspires to positively changing livelihoods of the poor, but it really means it.”