Montreal, 14 September 2023 – The entire BNP Philanthropic Performance team is pleased to welcome Edmonton-based Tom Shand as Interim Regional Director, Western Canada. He brings his extensive fundraising experience to organizations across the western provinces.
A career of service in healthcare
After graduating from Queen’s University, Tom Shand began his career in journalism. It was in 1981 that he decided to devote himself fully to the non-profit sector. Initially responsible for public relations, he then moved on to fundraising and the management of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), particularly in the field of healthcare.
Tom proceeded to contribute to the development of fundraising programs for the Canadian Diabetes Association. For over 10 years, he helped grow the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation (headquartered in Prince George, BC) into a structured charity with strong community involvement. Moreover, he set up the Tree Festival which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
Subsequently, his role as Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association fostered the development of provincial relations between government and healthcare services in Alberta. The organization was able to raise awareness among Albertans about mental illness and the services available.
A keen interest in mental health
Tom Shand’s entire career has been marked by a direct link with the healthcare sector and he has a particular attachment to causes related to mental health problems. He is a founding member of the Lieutenant Governor’s Circle on Mental Health & Addiction and sits on the Board of Directors. The organization’s goal is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction.
He has also been involved with numerous boards of directors for autism, adult recreation as well as the Rotary and Kiwanis organizations.
“Tom provides us with incredible experience in philanthropy. He specializes in both fundraising and organizational structuring. In addition, his attachment to the healthcare field has given him a strong understanding of this sector and how to make essential services more accessible to communities,” said Daniel H. Lanteigne, Vice President, Talent, Strategy and Impact.
