In Memory of Michael Young
Our Foundation is named after Michael Young, my brother. He was born with challenges. He did not finish school. He did not have a big career, never married or bought a house. He died after an epic battle with cancer at the age of 52. Yet, if the best way to measure achievement is the distance travelled, not the end point, Mike was a massive overachiever.
He had unwavering compassion. His enthusiasm was unceasing, even in his last days. Mike was a gentle soul. He only gave, never asked. He instantly forgave all wrongs. His focus was always on the positive. If we needed to see the good, if we needed to aim high and if we needed to be shown the right way, Mike was our guide. To this day, we still have "what would Mike do's" to guide us. He was a giant.
The aim of our Foundation is, simply, to follow in Mike's footsteps. It was formed in 2001 initially to fund cancer research, then expanded into the arts and the environment in 2003. Since its inception, the Foundation has concentrated on only a few projects at a time, preferring to invest in depth in those it follows.
Notable ongoing and past partnerships include: The Ontario Conservation Accelerator, Kawartha Land Trust, Evergreen Brick Works, Artscape Youngplace, the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
To maintain our focus on current multi-year commitments, the Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals.
