DAVID FOSTER REINFORCES HIS COMMITMENT TO THE DAVID FOSTER FOUNDATION AS HE ANNOUNCES HIS FIRST-EVER CANADIAN TOUR

David Foster to be named Humanitarian of the Year at the 2019 Juno Awards in recognition of 33 years of support for families of children awaiting life-saving organ transplants.

Toronto, February 11, 2019: Legendary music producer David Foster, in Toronto last week to announce his first-ever Canadian tour, took the opportunity to speak with national media about the David Foster Foundation, the cause he has supported for over 33 years. Foster, who will be named as Humanitarian of the Year at the 2019 Juno Awards, talked about serving the needs of families and the importance of establishing a permanent endowment for the fund.  The David Foster Foundation, the only charity of its kind in Canada, has helped over 1,100 families in their time of greatest need.

“We are the only piece of good news in what is the worst day of any parent’s life,” said Foster. “We provide financial support for families so that can they support their children at an extremely difficult time.” 

2019 has the potential to be a watershed year for the David Foster Foundation, as Foster embarks on a nationwide Canadian tour. “I am the biggest Canadian flag waver in the world,” he said. “I look forward to being on the road in Canadian cities and performing with an amazing group of artists. Everywhere we go we hope to raise awareness about the importance of registering for organ donation. Canada has the best doctors and great medical technology, but we still have a shortage of donors.  Over 90% of Canadians support organ donation but only 20% have registered. It is important to keep the conversation going.”

On Saturday, March 16th, Foster will be honoured as Humanitarian of the Year at this 2019 Juno Awards. When asked if it was still meaningful after numerous Grammy Awards, he was emphatic: “Yes! It is especially meaningful because the award is for my philanthropic work. It is a great motivator to keep working hard to ensure the David Foster Foundation reaches our endowment goal and that the work can continue after me.”

In addition to his media rounds, Foster spent the morning meeting with three families in Toronto who have benefited personally from the work of the foundation. Mike Ravenhill, CEO of the David Foster Foundation, on site while David met with families, commented on Foster’s long-term and hands-on commitment to the cause. “David is extremely involved in everything we do. The families are excited to meet with him and he loves spending time with them.  The time we get to spend with families is always a highlight for everyone at the foundation.”

About the David Foster Foundation

The David Foster Foundation provides financial assistance to families of children for all non-medical expenses while their child is going through the major organ transplant process. Thanks to its annual fundraising efforts and the generous support of Life Legacy Members, National Partners, and donors, families receive financial support for day-to-day expenses such as mortgage/rent, car payments, travel expenses, utilities, groceries and more while their child is going through the major organ transplant process.

The success of the David Foster Foundation would not be possible without the generous support of Life Legacy Members including the GAIN Group, Jim Pattison, TELUS, The Slaight Family Foundation, Parq Vancouver, Jim & Sandi Treliving and the Newton Glassman Foundation in partnership with the Catalyst Capital Group. The foundation is also supported by National Partners WestJet, Aird & Berlis LLP, Honda Canada Foundation, Schnitzer Steel and OUTFRONT Media, and Community Partners Boston Pizza, Oak Bay Beach Hotel and Tom Lee Music. For those who wish to have a deeper involvement with the organization, there are a number of ways to contribute including the donation of RBC Rewards and Aeroplan miles, all of which will directly help families going through the organ transplant process.

The Foundation also promotes organ donor awareness and registration in both Canada and the United States. For more information, visit www.davidfosterfoundation.com.