Charity
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
–Winston Churchill
Giving Back to the Community
To walk in the light of true philanthropy means putting a lot of care, kindness and love into giving and to work towards bettering your community and the welfare of those in need. As Joseph Addison said, “Charity is a virtue of the heart, and not of the hands.” Indeed, Leslee Farrell’s altruistic concern for others undoubtedly comes straight from the heart. Among other accomplishments, she is actively involved in fundraising for a wide variety of local arts organizations. She also served six of her 10 years with the Victoria Hospitals Foundation (formerly the Greater Victoria Hospital Foundation) on the board of directors. Her personal commitment to give back to her community is a huge priority in her life, and her many charity successes over the years affirm her ongoing dedication to reach as many people as possible.
Leslee has been interested in helping others since she was a young girl. All throughout her life she has endeavoured to donate money, volunteered her time to many different causes, and helped to raise awareness for a variety of organizations. As a “big-picture thinker,” Leslee feels that charity work helps to keep her life in balance.
Highlights of Leslee’s Charitable Works
- Board member, Victoria Hospitals Foundation (VHF) (1998-2006).
- Served on the Patrons Council for VHF. The Better Together campaign successfully raised $12 million dollars for hospital equipment in 1996.
- Chair of VHF’s Visions, a gala fundraiser (1997-1999).
- Served two years on the Board of Advisors for the Faculty of Business at the University of Victoria.
- Active in fundraising for the Victoria Symphony, Victoria Operatic Society, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, and Maritime Museum, to name a few.
- Member of the Union Club of BC.
- Directed annual RE/MAX support for the Symphony Splash, which takes place each summer in Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
Working with Victoria Hospitals Foundation
While serving a six-year term (2000-2006) as Vice Chair and Chairman of the board of VHF, Leslee facilitated a wide range of impressive accomplishments.
- VHF’s largest and most ambition capital campaign to date was completed in just 18 months during 2002-2003. A group of special advisors went out into the community and raised $17 million dollars to benefit all areas of healthcare at Royal Jubilee and Victoria General hospitals. Leslee served as Co-Chair on this very successful campaign, Together We Care.
- The formation of The American Friends of Victoria Hospitals Foundation. Under Leslee’s direction, this registered U.S. charity was created in order to allow contributions to VHF by U.S. citizens (many of them living part-time on Vancouver Island) and to ensure those donors receive a tax receipt. American Friends collected $300,000 in donations to VHF in the first year.
- VHF received their first $1 million dollar annual gift from an individual, bestowed in honour of a family member.
- A Goal Map was created to support the strategic planning of VHF.
- While serving as Chairman, Leslee facilitated the fundraising of $12.5 million dollars for patient care in just two years.
- Improved financial processes and timely reporting.
- IPSOS Reid market research undertaken to determine the giving capacity of the community and their awareness of VHF.
- Image refresh, including a new logo and simpler name for VHF.
- Vision and mission of the Foundation was revised and updated.
- Largest disbursement to the Vancouver Island Health Authority in history from VHF at $5.5 million dollars. (This was one of the largest donations ever in B.C. from a nonprofit to a public organization.)
- Lowest expense ratio in VHF history achieved at 13.4 per cent. That means more money goes directly to helping those in need.
- Privacy Code and Practice Guidelines approved.
- Media test undertaken of VHF confidentiality standards and values.
- As a growth initiative, the first Director of Development was hired in order to support fundraising campaigns and get more people collecting donations.
- The revision of Constitution and Bylaws was completed in October 2004.
For the Future
Leslee believes that giving back keeps a community strong and healthy. Charity is an investment into the future of a community, and Leslee’s ongoing contribution and charitable efforts has made a difference in the lives of many, and will surely continue to do so in the future.
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