As I was about to walk across the stage, host Matt Galloway remarked, “This is one of my favourite projects in the city.” Yes, he was referring to Not Far From The Tree! This very fine compliment added a little skip in my step as I delightedly accepted the award on behalf of Not Far From The Tree.

Vital Ideas recognizes Toronto’s most high-impact organizations and supports their work to stabilize, expand, or replicate programs with successful track records.

The award we received was of particular note because it was selected by KMPG LLP (KPMG) employees. Through a partnership called “Vital Impact: Vital Toronto”, the Community Foundation worked with KPMG to facilitate skills-based volunteer opportunities for its employees. The engagement resulted in KPMG providing a $30,000 Vital Ideas grant to Not Far From The Tree. We’ll also be working with a high-level team of KPMG employees to boost a vital element of our operations.

“We recognize the significant opportunity we have to affect positive change and make a real difference in the communities where we live and operate,” says Beth Wilson, GTA Managing Partner and the Canadian Managing Partner of Community Leadership, KPMG “Collaborating with the Toronto Community Foundation’s Vital Ideas program was a perfect fit because it offered KPMG people the opportunity to put their skills and talents to work for causes they felt passionately about and address pressing social needs in their community.”

In the photo above, I’m happily accepting this commemorative award from Toronto Community Foundation President & CEO, Rahul K. Bhardwaj, on behalf of Not Far From The Tree. (Photo credit: Allan Kosmajac)