EllisDon launches the ABEEL Foundation

Ontario Construction News staff writer

EllisDon’s inaugural Shaping the Future Sponsorship Program started with an idea to provide Canadian students in five cities the opportunity to share their vision of a world that is inclusive, and without racism.

Works of poetry, visual art, photography, music, and videos flooded ABEEL’s inbox as students shared their experiences and optimism for the future through original submissions.

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One year later, EllisDon says the Shaping the Future Sponsorship Program will now be exclusively run via an independent, non-profit Organization – The ABEEL Foundation.

This change will expand the impact of the program by providing members of these communities more access to a multitude of industry individuals and organizations.

While EllisDon and the ABEEL Foundation are two separate entities, EllisDon will continue to support the program’s students and involved communities.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with EllisDon’s Anti-Black Racism team. It has been a very emotional experience listening to their stories, their experiences and hearing about the barriers that Black people face in our industry,” said Kieran Hawe, chief operating officer, and executive vice president, construction operations.

“Specific to the Shaping the Future Sponsorship Program, I look forward to seeing how the Program grows under the exclusive leadership of the ABEEL Foundation, and I am excited to continue doing my part of leading the way towards inclusion for our industry.”

With support of their teachers and educators, students put their creative thoughts together to express how they see the world and gave us a glimpse of where society could be headed – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

They also shared their perspectives, experiences, and their hopes and dreams. Winners of the programs received education bursaries, mentoring, and support for their schools and communities that focused on their mental health and empowerment.

“In dealing with systemic issues like Anti-Black racism and others, I always believe that we need as many like-minded people and organizations allying together on ideas that can help breed systemic change to address systemic issues,” founding foundation member Samuel O. Ajobo said in a statement.

“The Shaping the Future Sponsorship program is one of those ideas for the ABEEL Foundation. We look forward to more individuals, community members, and organizations following in the leadership of EllisDon – allying with youth, educational systems and more to shape a beautiful future.”

“It has been my honour to bear witness and have played a small part in the impact of the Program. It has left me feeling more aware, hopeful and motivated to continue our inclusive diversity efforts by removing as many barriers to opportunity as possible,” said Jennifer Khan, head of inclusive diversity.

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