Stage Door News
Stage Door News
May 18, 2016 – OTTAWA (Canada) – Inspired by the National Arts Centre’s focus on investing in Canadian creators, Janice and Earle O’Born of Toronto have made an extraordinary gift of $1.5 million in support of the NAC’s future direction. Janice O’Born, who is a Director of the NAC Foundation, said “Earle and I are proud to be associated with the National Arts Centre. We are inspired by the type of bold creative work such as tomorrow night’s world premiere of Life Reflected, and want to see more Canadian stories on stages across the country.”
Jayne Watson, CEO of the NAC Foundation, lauded the O’Borns’ generous gift, saying “Janice and Earle are extraordinary philanthropists for so many terrific causes. We are honoured that the arts are a priority for them and we thank them for this amazing gift.”
ABOUT THE NAC
The National Arts Centre collaborates with artists and arts organizations across Canada to help create a national stage for the performing arts, and acts as a catalyst for performance, creation and learning across the country. A home for Canada’s most creative artists, the NAC strives to be artistically adventurous in each of its programming streams – the NAC Orchestra, English Theatre, French Theatre and Dance, as well as the Scene festivals and NAC Presents, which showcase established and emerging Canadian artists. The organization is at the forefront of youth and educational activities, offering artist training, programs for children and youth, and resources for teachers in communities across Canada. The NAC is also a pioneer in new media, using technology to teach students and young artists around the globe, by creating top-rated podcasts, and providing a wide range of NAC Orchestra concerts on demand. The NAC is the only bilingual, multidisciplinary performing arts centre in Canada, and one of the largest in the world.
ABOUT THE O’BORNS
Janice O'Born (Smith) was born, raised and educated in England. She emigrated to Australia at the age of 21 before moving to Vancouver in late 1979 where she met her future husband, Earle O'Born. As an entrepreneur, her ventures are community-based businesses blending commerce and impact in a progressive way. As a philanthropist, she is highly invested in health, education and the arts. Her work has benefitted the Stratford Festival, the Shaw Festival, the Canadian Film Centre and Opera Atelier, the Toronto Public Library and ABC Canada. In healthcare, along with chairing the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry Foundation/CAMH for three years, she has also been responsible for dinners, galas and events benefitting Trauma Research at Sunnybrook Hospital, The Arthritis Society of Ontario, Renascent Foundation, Fife House Foundation and Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Earle O'Born is a tireless innovator and philanthropist, dedicated to business excellence and inspiring community involvement. This successful entrepreneur developed one of the first instant printing companies in North America when he founded The Printing House (TPH) in 1961. He has grown TPH into one of Canada's largest privately-held companies with 70 locations across the country; it has twice been recognized as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies. Earle O'Born has kept ahead of the curve with technology developments and business strategy, which includes a culture of community involvement and social responsibility. A philanthropic leader, he has inspired employee engagement to benefit local charities with a commitment to healthcare and education. Earle was named Entrepreneur of the Year in Ontario in 2010 and received the John A. Young Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011.
Photo: Janice and Earl O’Born. ©2014.
2016-05-18
Ottawa: Janice and Earle O’Born donate $1.5 million to the National Arts Centre