TORONTO – Former Ontario MPP Frances Lankin has taken on the role of chair of the Telus Toronto Community Board for a three year term.
The Telus Toronto Community Board is made up of community leaders and Telus employees who make local funding decisions in areas that positively impact the future of youth in the community. Since its launch in 2006, the board has given more than $3.8 million in support of more than 220 community projects, and this year expects to donate $700,000 to local charities.
Lankin, who takes over from outgoing board chair Rita Burak, was a member of Provincial Parliament for 11 years before serving as president and CEO of the United Way Toronto from 2001 through 2010. In 2009, she was sworn in to the Queen’s Privy Council of Canada and appointed by the Prime Minister as a member of the Security Intelligence Review Committee.
"I am extremely pleased to welcome Frances who has a remarkable track record of serving the people of Ontario and making a positive and lasting difference in our communities," said Telus president and CEO Darren Entwistle, in the announcement. "Through her work with the United Way and as a Member of Provincial Parliament, Frances has worked tirelessly to help those less fortunate through programs that have given individuals and families new hope and stability to build a better life. Under her guidance, the Telus Toronto Community Board will continue to partner with grassroots charities and fund initiatives that directly benefit children and families in need."
Telus has ten community boards across Canada that allocate funding for projects that support youth through the use of technology. Local grassroots organizations are invited to apply for up to $20,000 in one-time funding for innovative youth projects in the areas of arts and culture, education and sports and health and well-being.
