Tim Hortons co-founder Ron Joyce’s foundation clears barriers to education
‘As someone who grew up in the context of adversity and a lack of opportunity, my father, Ron Joyce, wanted to help level the playing field for the next generation’
Article content
The Joyce Family Foundation, previously established as The Joyce Foundation, is a private, family foundation created by Canadian entrepreneur Ronald Joyce.
Joyce is the Tatamagouche, N.S.-born Canadian billionaire who co-founded, along with his business partner, Tim Horton, the Tim Hortons doughnut chain.
When Horton died, Joyce persevered and was instrumental in establishing the Tim Hortons Children’s Camps and the Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation.
Though Joyce died in 2019, the trustees of the foundation aim to further his philanthropic philosophy – which they describe as a deep-rooted sense of responsibility to give back to his community.
The foundation is run by a board that awards grants and bursaries. The board trustees include sons Steven and Grant Joyce, and several Canadians experienced with community involvement, including Hon. Ed Lumley (Chair), Mike Harris, Rob MacIsaac, Sandy McDonald, Michele Thornley, and Aileen O’Rafferty (Director Emeritus).
Today, the foundation’s main initiative is to provide access to education for children and youth who are facing significant financial need or socio-economic barriers.
Here, Steven Joyce shares what the foundation’s mission is today, and how that reflects his father’s legacy.
How did The Joyce Family Foundation come to be established?
“The Foundation was borne out of a genuine desire to improve the social, economic and emotional well-being of children and youth in Canadian society.
As someone who grew up in the context of adversity and a lack of opportunity, my father, Ron Joyce, wanted to help level the playing field for the next generation and allow them to have fun along the way.
The roots of his philanthropy started with the Tim Hortons Children’s Camps and he delighted in seeing the smiles on the faces of children who had never known the joy of camp.
He was involved first-hand in all aspects of that experience. In later years, he would continue to find ways to open doors for children and youth through The Joyce Family Foundation.”
How does the foundation’s mission reflect Ron Joyce’s intentions?
“The vision that underpins the Foundation’s giving – in a diversity of ways – is empowering youth to become independent contributors to Canadian society.
My father didn’t have a preference for one field of study or type of employment over another. He hoped youth could pursue whatever ‘turned their crank’ (his expression) and bring their own unique talents and capacities into the community.
Canadian society would be better for it.”
What are some of the lessons your father imparted to his family?
“My father encouraged his family to work hard, with steadfast determination towards their own goals.
His work ethic drove his expectations that we would strive for excellence in all that we do. With the perspective that there are many who do not have advantages in life, my father imparted the sense of responsibility to give back in a meaningful way, whether through time, talent or treasure.
He always said that whatever you give comes back to you in spades.”
How does the foundation ensure that its initiatives continue to reflect Ron Joyce’s legacy?
“The trustees of the board are comprised of some family members and close colleagues of my father. We all have a clear understanding of my father’s philanthropic vision.
We work to further his legacy of generous support for organizations that can alleviate a degree of burden on youth.
Dad believed in the power of education to not only break the cycle of poverty, but also enable individuals to reach their potential.
The initiatives of the foundation carry forward that same spirit and have established tuition bursaries at 47 colleges and universities to date.”
What is the foundation’s governance structure?
“The Foundation is set up in perpetuity, governed by a board of trustees who bring a record of community involvement, knowledge of the Settlor’s vision, and distinguished experience in several fields to bear on the work of the foundation.
A clear system of governance and commitment to the mandate will ensure a robust pattern of giving and an honoring of my father’s legacy.”
Do you have any tips for other multigenerational families setting up a family foundation?
“Taking the time to develop the mission of your foundation is the best way to keep focus through the years.
Once there is clarity on the most important issue(s), then giving can find expression in various ways in a manner that is coherent.
For a foundation with a Settlor, such as the Joyce Family Foundation, capturing the founder’s intentions and patterns of gifting has been an important way for the trustees to model future gifting.”
More from Canadian Family Offices
- New insurance product a one-and-done gift to charity
- Henry’s foundation aims to lift the shame and isolation of mental illness
- Son’s tragic death spurs family foundation to tackle mental health
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Please visit here to see information about our standards of journalistic excellence.