CANFAR

Description

WHO WE ARE
The Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR) is Canada's only independent charitable foundation dedicated to eliminating AIDS through research. By funding promising Canadian HIV and AIDS research and promoting prevention through educational campaigns, CANFAR is working to end AIDS globally. OUR STORY At a time when the world was still learning about the AIDS pandemic, three friends, all entrepreneurs in Toronto’s service industry, decided to do something about the disease that was directly affecting them and the people around them. Dinah Koo, Van Beltrame and Robert Mang were party and catering specialists with the resources to raise money but nothing to put the money towards. They decided to create a research foundation, in order to help find treatment, and, maybe one day, a cure. They brought on Dr. Mary Fanning, Dr. Michael Baker and Dr. Norbert Gilmore – doctors and scientists who would determine which research projects were the most promising and deserving of the funding raised. The incorporation papers for CANFAR were signed in October 1987. As the new charity grew, it attracted the attention of Toronto philanthropist Bluma Appel. Bluma was well-known for championing unpopular causes that had been cast out of mainstream society’s dinner party discussions and living room conservations. AIDS was one of those causes. Bluma took up the cause, reaching out to as many people as possible and never taking “no” for an answer. She knocked down doors across North America, from the White House to the United Nations, from business leaders to political leaders and members of the larger community. She even convinced the Chairman of the Royal Bank of Canada to get involved. This brought with it the support of many Canadian banks – banks that still support CANFAR today. Soon after came the fundraisers and important Canadian research breakthroughs – many of which keep millions alive today.