An Announcement from our Chair, Robert G. Kearns

Dear friends and supporters,

For the past 44 years, I have devoted my passion and purpose to promoting a more informed awareness of the deep and ancient bond of friendship that exists between Canada and Ireland. As the Founder and Chair of Canada Ireland Foundation (CIF), I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished. Together, we have created Ireland Park, Grasett Park and very soon, the Corleck – our jewel on Toronto’s waterfront and a destination in which we will celebrate and share Irish history, heritage, arts and culture with wider audiences. Canada Ireland Foundation has never been on a better financial footing, or held in higher regard amongst all of our constituents, on both sides of the Atlantic, than we are right now. Your support and generosity has made this possible and for that I am and shall always be eternally grateful. Therefore, it seems to me that this is the right time for me to step down from my position as Chair of the CIF Board and to transition my role to become Founder and Chair Emeritus of the Foundation in June 2025. With this timing, my successor will have the honour and pleasure of presiding over the formal opening of the Corleck in 2026. It was always my dream to inspire the worlds of government, business, academia and the arts, to join together to reach a shared goal. With new energy and vision, I can see a time in the near future, when the Foundation will have a presence in major population centres all across Canada, as well as in Ireland. Because of your support, kindness, generosity and enthusiasm, the best days of Canada Ireland Foundation are in the years to come. Sincerely, Robert G. Kearns Chair and Founder