A lifetime of giving
Lunapads wouldn’t be here, as it is today, if it wasn’t for the amazing support and inspiration we receive from 2 very special people. Pictured here is me and Carol Newell and Joel Solomon of Renewal Partners at the PEAK awards honouring Women in Finance. Carol was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her pioneering charitable work and social investing. Over the past fifteen years, she has placed over $60 million in organizations, individuals, and businesses working toward sustainable economic development and social and environmental justice throughout Canada. One such organization is the seed capital company Renewal Partners, of which Lunapads is an investment.
She asks “can we find a way to do our work in community on this planet in a way that honours and respects our mothers and our sisters, and our daughters, as well as the planet that provides for us?” She challenged us to go from “simply making more, to making better” and using money as “a fuel - a catalyst - to help restore the health of the planet, and re-connection among ourselves.”
As I looked around the room and chatted with colleagues whom I hadn’t seen for many years (my former life was a full-time finance professional helping a big company keep track of and create wealth) it felt incredibly satisfying to know the direction I have taken my career at Lunapads has not only served me well, but serves others. When I met Madeleine 8 years ago, I intuitively knew I was ready for a change - and her powerful vision for Lunapads was the spark for me to move on. Today, I feel fortunate to be able to use my financial skills to do meaningful work and to be part of the greater vision that Carol holds: to stimulate a soically just and environmentally sustainable economy and way of life.
