Director's Circle Sponsor Articles
Great-West Life, London Life andCanada Life
proud to support arts and culture in Burlington
Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life understand that the arts are more than a canvas for passion, creativity, and inspiration – they’re an important part of Canadian culture. As a Performing Arts Burlington Director’s Circle sponsor, the companies are helping to provide greater opportunities for area residents to participate in and explore local theatre, music and dance.
“The workshops, resources and promotion provided by Performing Arts Burlington are not just important from a creative and cultural perspective, they’re an important part of building a stronger, more vibrant local community,” says Great-West Life Regional Director Rick Giuliani. “Through
our support of Performing Arts Burlington, we know we’re helping a large and diverse membership from the Burlington and Hamilton performing arts communities.”
Performing Arts Burlington is one of more than 100 arts and cultural organizations across Canada to receive support from The Key to Giving™, the national corporate citizenship program of Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life. Through The Key to Giving™, the companies also contribute to a wide range of non-profit, charitable and community organizations across the country in the areas of health and wellness, education, social services and civic initiatives.
The focus, Giuliani explains, is on a collaborative approach to building stronger communities. “In term of arts and culture, we look for opportunities to help organizations build and maintain healthy, sustainable futures,” he says. “With a focus on community outreach, active participation, youth education and audience development, we’re helping to broaden the audience for arts and culture while contributing to its long-term sustainability.” Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life serve the financial security needs of more than 12 million people across Canada.
Pepperwood Restaurant adds zest to PAB support
For new board members and long time financial supporters Bill Leslie and Stephen Bell, working with Performing Arts Burlington is very rewarding. PAB is one of the many charitable organizations
that they are involved with.
“We both believe that you have to give back to the community. The community has been good to us,” says Leslie. The pair co-own Pepperwood Bistro, 2020 Lakeside Ristorante & Bar and La Costa Nuova in Burlington, Rosewood Bistro in Mississauga, Millers in Etobicoke and Pepperwood Food services at Beverly GC&C. In addition they operate Pepperwood Catering and Special Events at the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Burlington Art Centre.
Both Bill and Stephen have long been supporters of the arts. Over the past several years they have taken leadership roles in Downtown Dining and this past January, French Quarter Festival, PAB’s
signature fundraiser.
“When you think about it, there’s a natural fit,” Bill explains. “There’s creativity and artistry in our kitchens, visual arts on our walls and our live entertainment which links us with the rest of the
arts – visual and otherwise.”
The walls at Pepperwood on Lakeshore Road are festooned with music-themed paintings by local artists, including Linda Toward and Debbie Scollick. At La Costa Nuova on Brant Street, the art
reflects a wine theme and so it goes for all the partners’ operations. “We’re constantly upgrading, improving and putting something more into the restaurants to continue its interest level,” Bill says.
Leslie and Bell – both Burlington residents and strong PAB supporters – studied restaurant management in school and have always worked in the food and beverage industry. With some 50 years of industry experience between them, they opened Pepperwood Bistro and Pepperwood Catering and Special Events eight years ago.
recognizes value of performing arts
Performing Arts Burlington is grateful for the valued support we receive from TD Canada Trust, a Director’s Circle sponsor. The corporate sponsorship is part of TD Canada Trust’s ongoing commitment to support arts and culture in the communities it serves. The cornerstone of that commitment is its sponsorship of major jazz festivals across Canada that have proved to be a rich and vital part of the cultural fabric of our country.
In addition to the jazz festivals, TD Canada Trust supports a wide variety of similar initiatives in Canada. These range from other premier music events to numerous community programs and initiatives such as Performing Arts Burlington.
“We truly believe that the performing arts bring people together and express the cultural vibrancy of our communities,” says Ruth Lee, manager at TD Canada Trust’s Aldershot branch in Burlington.
TD Canada Trust is part of TD Bank Financial Group, one of Canada’s top corporate donors. In 2006, TD provided over $33 million to more than 1,600 charities and not-for-profit organizations, each of
which work tirelessly to strengthen their communities and make our country a better place to live.
For TD Bank Financial Group, it’s not just about writing cheques. The bank and its thousands of employees focus their efforts on getting involved, developing partnerships and being proactive in promoting community issues. TD gives back to the communities it serves through cash donations, gifts-in-kind, charitable sponsorships, and especially countless volunteer hours from employees who demonstrate their community spirit year-round. |
