Toronto Foundation appoints Sharon Avery as President & CEO

TORONTO, July 20, 2016 /CNW/ - The Board of Directors of Toronto Foundation announces today the appointment of Sharon Avery as President & CEO, effective September 7, 2016.

Ms. Avery joins the Foundation after eight years as Chief Development Officer at UNICEF Canada. During her tenure at UNICEF the organization more than doubled its investment in children in the last four years, transforming it on the international stage.

"Sharon brings the ideal combination of visionary leadership and tangible results to the role. We are looking forward to bringing her global insights to our work in city-building philanthropy," says John Barford, Chair, Board of Directors.

Sharon Avery has built a 19-year career as a high energy fundraiser and passionate communicator. At UNICEF she led a pivotal fundraising campaign recruiting women philanthropists across Canada to embark on a four-year learning journey on maternal, newborn and child health in the developing world. In just 13 months $12 million was raised to support 3.8 million women and children in Namibia, Ethiopia, Cambodia and Indonesia. Prior to UNICEF Ms. Avery held senior roles at SickKids Foundation, Save the Children Canada and Tim Horton Children's Foundation.

"Toronto plays on the world's stage and is a city of incredible philanthropy. I'm a big believer in the power of collective donor engagement and want to leverage this to have even greater impact," says Avery. "Toronto Foundation has a powerful track record as a thought leader in city building as well as a catalyst for philanthropy. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to learn more about the Foundation's unique approach and work with the team to build on its success."

About Toronto Foundation

Established in 1981, the Toronto Foundation is one of the top 191 Community Foundations in Canada. We pool philanthropic dollars and facilitate charitable donations for maximum community impact. Our individual, family and organizational Funds number more than 500 and we administer more than $400 million in assets. Through the Vital Toronto Fund we engage in city building, mobilizing people and resources to increase the quality of life in Toronto.

SOURCE Toronto Foundation

Denise Arsenault, Chief Operating Officer, 416-921-2035 x207, [email protected]