How does the Harrison McCain Foundation carry forward the culture of giving back that was established by your father?

After our father passed away in March 2004 we felt we should write a “Mission Statement” in order to highlight the philanthropic causes and principles which were important to him.  Before each foundation meeting we read this statement aloud – it not only keeps us focused but is also a kind of “Living Legacy” to be passed to Harrison’s grandchildren, the future directors of his foundation.

I wanted to mention that a significant portion of our annual budget covers the costs of prepaid scholarships to enable students to pursue their postsecondary studies at universities in Atlantic Canada.  Our father was particularly proud of this program which has awarded 382 scholarships since its inception in 1998.

Describe an initiative funded by the foundation that provided you and the Board members with great personal satisfaction.

The establishment of a Satellite Dialysis Unit at the former Northern Carleton Hospital in Bath, New Brunswick.  The Harrison McCain Foundation provided the funding to cover the capital equipment costs and through partnerships with the Government of New Brunswick, Rotary Club, Kidney Foundation and McCain Foundation had the unit up and running by late 2005.  Previously, dialysis patients had to travel 6 hours round trip to Saint John for treatment 3-4 times each week.

What are the Foundation’s major areas of interest in its giving?

Our areas of interest include education, health, arts and culture, community and the environment.  Our major focus area is Atlantic Canada.

How can charities be more effective in approaching foundations for funding?

Donors want to establish relationships with their donees.  Our directors have an obligation to view each and every donation request in a responsible, sensitive and informed manner.  Our donees also have an obligation to us – to build a relationship based on a clear explanation of their needs; honesty about their limitations, if any, and a willingness to communicate their progress or lack of progress.  What we want to create in these important relationships is a “win-win” for both sides.

In the long run, what social changes does the Harrison McCain Foundation want to effect?

If, in some small way, the programs and initiatives we support lead to positive change for future generations in Atlantic Canada, we have done our job.

Ann McCain Evans (Certificate [Languages, Literature and Civilization], Université Grenoble (France), 1978; BA [Politics and History], Trent University, 1979) has served on a number of boards and committees, including the Montreal Board of Trade, the Montreal SPCA and the Steering Committee of the Westmount Environment Action Committee. She was a director of the St. John Ambulance Foundation, Quebec Council. She also served on the Board of Governors of Acadia University, the Board of the Nature Trust of New Brunswick, the Charitable Donations Committee of the McCain Foundation, and the Board of the Huntsman Marine Science Centre, St. Andrews, New Brunswick.

Currently, Ms. McCain Evans serves as a director of McCain Foods Group Inc. and of the Marion McCain Foundation, sponsor of the Marion McCain Atlantic Art Exhibition. She also serves as chairperson of the Harrison McCain Foundation and a board member of both Ovarian Cancer Canada and the Canadian Barcode of Life Network.