This December, Altruvest proudly hosted our Annual Donor and Community Appreciation Events in Toronto and Vancouver—celebrating gratitude, leadership, and the achievements of our BoardMatch Leaders (BML) community.
The evenings brought together Founder & Chairman Rob Follows, Executive Director Robert Lewocz, Altruvest’s Board of Directors, corporate and charity partners, staff, volunteers, and an inspiring cohort of new and seasoned BoardMatch Leaders alumni. These gatherings highlighted meaningful milestones, impactful stories, and the ongoing work to strengthen Canada’s charitable sector, one board at a time.
Welcoming the 2025 BoardMatch Leaders Alumni
This year, we celebrated the 2025 BML cohort, representing a broad range of industries, expertise, and cities in Canada and the U.S. Participants from Toronto, Vancouver, and Chicago joined us to mark the completion of their program and to celebrate their commitment to meaningful board service.
Their collective expertise spans finance, consulting, law, governance, operations, technology, nonprofit leadership, and more—strengthening the boards they now serve and the communities that depend on them.
Recognizing Leadership and Service
Throughout 2025, Altruvest events featured inspiring guest speakers and award presentations that celebrated the impact of skilled, values-driven board service.
BoardMatch™ Leaders Spark Award The Spark Award recognizes BML alumni who have made meaningful contributions early in their board journey—demonstrating how strong preparation and thoughtful matching translate into immediate impact.
Toronto Spark Award Recipient
Janelle Walsh, National Director of Finance and Administration, EY Canada;
Board Member & Chair, Creating Alternatives
- Janelle Walsh was honored to be named Chair of Creating Alternatives, within two years of joining the board, reflecting the trust of the founder and the board. Danielle Dang, Executive Director, praised her strategic insight, collaboration, and inclusive approach. Janelle’s leadership helped guide the board in securing new space, expanding programs, and increasing the number of families served.
- Janelle credits BoardMatch Leaders’ training for preparing her to step into her board role with clarity and purpose. The program taught her where to contribute as a board member, how to distinguish governance from operations, and provided insights that served as vital touchpoints as she navigated her new role—enabling meaningful, mission-aligned contributions that strengthen both governance and community impact.
Vancouver Spark Award Recipient
Robert Eckford, CEO, RUA GOLD;
Board Member & Treasurer, Best Buddies Canada
- Robert Eckford has made a national impact in his first year, becoming the top fundraiser for the Friendship Walk and introducing new donors across provinces. As Treasurer, he provides strategic financial oversight while helping expand Best Buddies Canada’s presence in British Columbia.
- He values the BoardMatch Leaders program for connecting him to a mission-aligned board and for preparing him to navigate diverse perspectives and collaborative decision-making. Jennifer Appleby, Executive Director, commends Robert’s engagement and network-building, noting how they are laying the foundation for lasting community impact in B.C.
Spark Award Nominees: Impact Through Board Leadership
This year’s Spark Award nominees demonstrate that BoardMatch Leaders is delivering on its core purpose: preparing experienced leaders to step confidently into nonprofit governance and create immediate impact. Nominees were recognized for driving complex initiatives in strategy, finance, and governance while elevating board effectiveness.
Alumni credit BML’s governance training and case-based learning for preparing them for nonprofit board realities, while boards report measurable results—from modernized practices and stronger financial oversight to expanded reach, record fundraising, and program growth. Skills- and values-based matching enables faster integration, higher engagement, and sustained leadership.
We thank this year’s exceptional nominees for their dedication and the meaningful contributions they are making through board service.
Distinguished Service Awards
In addition to the Spark Award, we recognized longtime leaders whose sustained commitment has significantly strengthened Altruvest’s mission and supported communities across Canada:
- Akif Siddiqui – Recognized for his many years of dedicated board service and meaningful leadership.
- Susan Dunne – Recognized for her enduring service and lasting contributions to Altruvest’s programs, partnerships, and vision.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we enter 2026, Altruvest does so with renewed momentum. In the New Year, the BoardMatch Leaders program will continue sessions in Toronto and Vancouver. Stay tuned for our 2026 dates and news of our expansion into new regions, extending opportunities for leaders and charities to connect and create impact.
Get Involved
Donate: Support our mission through CanadaHelps Volunteer: Share your expertise by submitting an application to join our volunteer team.
Become or Sponsor a BoardMatch Leader: Contact lee.giles@altruvest.org
A Year Made Possible Through Partnership
Altruvest’s 2025 achievements were made possible through the generous support of our corporate partners: BMO, EY, Torys, Miller Thomson, STS Capital Partners, and Balanced+. Your commitment to developing governance leaders and strengthening the charitable sector creates lasting impact across communities.
Thank you to every alumnus, corporate partner, charity partner, volunteer, speaker, and supporter who made 2025 a year of meaningful progress.
Together, we’re building stronger boards and communities across Canada.