Born from a deep-rooted commitment to giving back, the Canerector Foundation has grown significantly since its launch in 2019 having now given a whopping $30 million in donations, with a minimum disbursement of 10 million annually.
Philanthropy has long been a priority for the Hawkins family, owners of Canerector Inc. Now in its 3rd generation of leadership, Canerector is led by Amanda Hawkins, who carries forward both the company’s entrepreneurial spirit and serves as a director for the Foundation. Over the years, the Hawkins family has supported a wide range of causes, and in 2019 they formalized these efforts under the banner of the Canerector Foundation. Today, the Foundation continues this legacy, reinforcing the family’s dedication to making a meaningful impact.
A Family’s Commitment to Giving Back
Rob & Erin Somers, Amanda Hawkins, Susan & Cecil Hawkins
For Foundation President, Susan Hawkins, philanthropy is a deeply personal mission. Hawkins was already involved in charitable causes when her daughter was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS). Her first-hand struggles navigating the medical system led her to champion EDS research and awareness.
“We didn’t choose this cause. It chose us,” says Susan. “When Erin was diagnosed, we suddenly understood what it felt like to have a cause that truly mattered.”
Hawkins is not interested in chequebook philanthropy. Instead, her approach is more hands-on, driven by an unwavering dedication to ensuring that every dollar given serves its intended purpose.
This passion has translated into real progress. The Foundation has funded significant research initiatives, including studies at SickKids Hospital and the University of Toronto, and has been instrumental in supporting families facing similar challenges.
Skilled Trades and Community Support
While EDS remains a cornerstone of the Foundation’s work, the Hawkins family is equally passionate about building on the skills that built Canerector itself, by supporting skilled trades education.
Skilled trades are essential for building the products, places, and infrastructure we use every day. These careers offer strong earning potential, hands-on work, and direct contributions to society’s infrastructure.
Recognizing the growing shortage of trades professionals in Canada, and the opportunities available to those who pursue these fields, the Canerector Foundation Scholarships in Skilled Trades invested approximately $9 million to date, supporting over 2,600 students at 21 leading colleges.
“Skilled trades are a critical contributor to the success of our overall economy,” said Canerector CEO and Director of the Foundation, Amanda Hawkins. “The Canerector Foundation is pleased to support skilled trades education, encouraging students to pursue these rewarding and in-demand careers.”
Students selected as Canerector scholars receive scholarship funding (typically $1,000 per semester) to apply towards their tuition fees. But the program extends beyond that with ongoing social and career support, including mentorship and increased access to employers and alumni.
Several colleges have other unique opportunities that arose from their partnership with the Foundation. For example, one college created a skilled trade and technology day for young women where Canerector scholars took active roles in planning, facilitating and executing of this incredible networking event.
“This is life-changing,” says one program administrator. “These students are forming connections, developing leadership skills, and seeing futures they might not have imagined for themselves.”
This sentiment is consistently reinforced by scholarship recipients themselves. One student at Algonquin College shared “The community of scholars that the Canerector Foundation has created at the college has been an invaluable resource to me and many other recipients. Through cooperative work, employment opportunities and friendships, this scholarship has proven to be so much more than just financial aid!”. There’s no question, the sense of camaraderie among Canerector Scholars is transformative.
Beyond scholarships, the Foundation has also played a key role in funding community programs. From supporting Habitat for Humanity to investing in international development initiatives through Chalice, the Foundation’s reach extends far beyond the industrial sector. During the pandemic, it quickly pivoted to provide critical funding to food banks and healthcare institutions struggling under the weight of COVID-19.
When any organization receives funds from the Foundation, they do so under the watchful guardianship of Susan Carleton, the Foundation’s Administrator. With a keen eye for detail and a heart for impact, she’s the connector, advocate, and strategist who ensures that funding translates into real, measurable outcomes.
The Evolution of the Foundation
As the Foundation grows, so too does its strategy. What started as a broad initiative to give back has become a structured, strategic operation.
“In the beginning, it was about finding causes we cared about and making an impact,” Susan Hawkins said. “Now, we’re thinking long-term. We want to build something sustainable, something that continues to make a difference for generations to come.”
A major step toward this sustainability has been the move toward multi-year funding agreements. The Foundation has now committed millions of dollars over several years, ensuring long-term stability for the organizations it supports.
“We’re not just handing out money,” explains Carleton. “We’re creating partnerships. We’re ensuring that the programs we fund can continue to grow and evolve.”
Despite this growth, the Foundation remains a family-run operation. Susan Hawkins and Susan Carleton take the lead, with the support of the whole family where they can help.
Looking Ahead
As the Foundation moves forward, its leaders are focused on both deepening and broadening their impact. Skilled trades education will continue to be a priority, with plans to expand the scholarship program to additional colleges across Canada. EDS research will remain a focal point, with an increasing emphasis on fostering collaboration between institutions in Canada and abroad. And in the spirit of their family legacy, the Hawkins family will continue to seek out new ways to support the communities that have given them so much.
At its core, the Hawkins’ family foundation is about making a difference.
“The work we’re doing is not about us,” says Hawkins. “It’s about making sure that our giving is meaningful, that it changes lives. That’s what matters.”
With over $30 million already donated and a clear vision for the future, the Foundation is poised to fulfill its purpose to create lasting change by supporting communities and people who need it most, empowering them to thrive and prosper for years to come.
To learn more about the Canerector Foundation including information on its donees, please visit www.canerectorfoundation.ca and follow them on LinkedIn!