2026 letter from the Victoria Foundation Board Chair

Press Release

March 5, 2026

Posted on March 5, 2026Victoria Foundation Updates

It is an exciting year ahead for the Victoria Foundation, and my first as the organization’s Board Chair. I have been fortunate to share a long history with the Foundation, including as a board member, committee member and as a fundholder. I am honoured to be associated with the Foundation and serve as the Board Chair.

As the Foundation enters the year celebrating our 90th anniversary, I like to think back to Burges Gadsden, the organization founder, and Fanny Gadsden, Burges’ mother and the first donor for the Foundation. They established the Foundation during a very difficult time in 1936; however, their long-term vision has made a significant impact in Greater Victoria and beyond! I hope you join us in celebrating our milestone anniversary throughout the year.

As mentioned earlier this year, the Foundation will be welcoming a new CEO in June 2026. Ian Bird will be joining the organization after serving as the CEO of Community Foundations Australia and previously working as the CEO of Community Foundations of Canada. This is a return home for Ian who grew up in British Columbia. I know Ian’s leadership and experience will help the Victoria Foundation continue to be the driving force for community wellbeing.

With Ian coming onboard, it also means we need to celebrate the significant contributions of retiring CEO Sandra Richardson after 25 years in the role. Sandra’s leadership has been key in the organization’s community impact, asset growth, and development of strategic partnerships. I, along with my fellow board members, cannot express our immense gratitude for Sandra’s impact on the community and the Foundation.

While there is lots to look ahead to, I also want to recognize the accomplishments made in 2025. The Foundation was able to grant over $31 million – our second highest total! This is thanks to our remarkable donors, partners and community. The Foundation released Architects of Belonging which demonstrates the significant economic impact of the charitable sector, along with our 20th edition of Vital Signs and will now engage in a process to see how we can move the program forward to meet the needs of today.

In November the organization also launched the new brand with a new logo and colours, and an Indigenous Companion Logo created by Lekwungen artist Bradley Dick. I can’t wait to see how we continue to build off the past to make a difference for the future.

I welcome you to connect with the Victoria Foundation to find ways to work together to create a sense of belonging for all in Greater Victoria and beyond.

Sincerely,

Rob Gareau

Victoria Foundation Board Chair

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