An enduring commitment to community and country
Philanthropy was a driving force in our founders’ lives.
History
The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation builds on the remarkable partnership of Hilary M. Weston and W. Galen Weston
Launched in 2020, the Foundation continues our founders’ legacy of impactful philanthropy – supporting great people and organizations whose bold ideas enhance the lives of Canadians. Inspired by their vision and leadership, the Foundation remains dedicated to solving some of the world's most complex challenges. Our founders’ unwavering commitment to community and country is at the heart of our mission.
The Hon. Hilary M. Weston
The Hon. Hilary M. Weston, CM, CVO, OOnt was born in Dublin, Ireland, and moved to Toronto, Canada, with her family in 1972. In her career, she served as deputy chair of Holt Renfrew and as a director of Brown Thomas & Co in Ireland and Selfridges Group in the UK. As the 26th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario (1997-2002), she championed and celebrated volunteers, youth and women. Her philanthropic efforts included founding the Ireland Funds of Canada and chairing Renaissance ROM, one of the largest cultural capital campaigns in Canadian history. Hilary also served on the board of the Aga Khan Museum, was a Trustee Emeritus of the Art Gallery of Ontario, a Director of the Weston Family Foundation, and was the Founding Patron and Chair Emerita of The King’s Trust Canada. Her passion for and interest in gardens, design and architecture led to the publication of notable books, and she was actively involved in the development of the residential community of Windsor in Florida.
W. Galen Weston
W. Galen Weston, OC, CVO, OOnt was born in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, UK, and studied business administration at Huron University College. He began his career by expanding supermarkets and department stores in Ireland. In 1972, Galen and his family moved to Canada so he could lead Loblaw Companies Limited and its transformation into what is now Canada's leading retailer. He concurrently brought his vision, imagination and energy to create Selfridges Group, a collection of iconic department stores across Ireland, Netherlands and the UK. Galen's success was rooted in his values, believing that business was about more than the bottom line, and his ability to inspire others. Alongside his passion for business, he devoted much of his energy and time to helping drive positive change through philanthropy. He founded the Weston Brain Institute, with a deeply personal commitment to addressing neurological diseases, and served as President of the Weston Family Foundation, as well as long-time Chair of Pearson College UWC.