Ken Mayhew

Ken Mayhew
President and CEO, William Osler Health System Foundation

Headquarters: Brampton/Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada
Education: University of Toronto, BA
First Job: painting houses
What I’m Reading: The Orenda by Joseph Boyden
Best Advice: Life is short, do your best at everything you do.

“We are committed to ensuring that our fundraising efforts, and the staff that support them, are closely aligned with the diversity of the communities we serve. As a result, equity and inclusiveness are ingrained in who we are and interwoven into our values and practices.”

Diversity Connects Us to Our Communities

William Osler Health System Foundation raises funds that support vital programs, services, and redevelopment at one of the largest community hospitals in one of the most diverse regions of Canada. We are committed to ensuring that our fundraising efforts, and the staff that support them, are closely aligned with the diversity of the communities we serve. As a result, equity and inclusiveness are ingrained in who we are and interwoven into our values and practices.

Our success stems in part from our diverse staff’s creativity and talents in developing fundraising events that foster a sense of community, while celebrating individuality. For example, our Holi Gala enables the entire community to learn about, and enjoy, this South Asian celebration of spring; our Walk ’n Roll for Healthy Kids is a family fitness event; and our Women Helping Women fundraisers leverage the energy and dedication of women from across the community. These events, championed by community leaders and supported by our staff, make fundraising relevant and accessible.

It is a pleasure to lead an organization with such a diverse workforce, and one that works so closely with a community rich in culture and tradition. We work to create an inclusive environment with fair and equitable policies and practices that help us retain and recruit staff, and foster staff satisfaction. Our commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace is supported by a respectful and welcoming atmosphere that allows staff, patients, donors, and community members to better understand and appreciate everyone’s unique beliefs and values.

The composition of our board of directors reflects the diversity of the community we serve, and along with our senior management team, provides support, guidance, and recommendations to ensure that diversity and equity are integrated throughout all levels of the organization.

Our leadership team plays an integral role in recruiting philanthropic leaders from diverse communities to champion fundraising efforts and promote our spirit of inclusivity. As a result, we have fostered long-lasting philanthropic relationships with members of the Muslim, Indian, Pakistani, and Portuguese communities, to name a few.

I am proud of all that we have accomplished. The funds we have raised and the programs we are able to support are a testament to how much the community we serve values our commitment to understanding and embracing their diverse needs.