ABOUT US
Established in 2000, our foundation initially concentrated on aiding victims of landmines by constructing clinics, acquiring ambulances and prosthetics, and training specialists for communities affected by civil strife.
Since 2020, our organization responded to climate change issues by incorporating support for environmental initiatives alongside our ongoing assistance to those affected by natural disasters, economic hardship, and children at risk, particularly focusing on the welfare and education of children in the need.
Through our partnerships, event proceeds directly aid those in immediate need. Our support aims to empower individuals, enabling them to become self-sufficient contributors to their communities, leading fulfilling and productive lives.
We take pride in our volunteer-based Board of Directors dynamic, and, while our charity incurs expenses, because of our status, over 90 cents of every dollar raised directly benefits our beneficiaries, ensuring impactful support.
HISTORY
In November 2000, Arlene Willis, Tony Aspler, and Sam Sarick conceived the idea of establishing a charitable foundation centered around their shared passion for wine. Arlene, an American citizen residing in Toronto, tragically lost her brother to a landmine during the Vietnam War in 1968. In his memory, she aimed to create a charity aiding landmine victims.
For seven years, Arlene served as President of Grapes for Humanity, spearheading a series of wine dinners and tasting events featuring esteemed global wine producers like Beringer, Antinori, Frescobaldi, Torres, Mondavi, Louis Jadot, Remoissenet, and Primum Familiae Vini ('Leading Wine Families'). In 2007, Arlene passed the leadership to Vice-President Tony Aspler, who helmed the organization for the subsequent seven years. Arlene redirected her focus to the sister charity, Grapes For Humanity (US), which later evolved into Grapes for Humanity Global.
In 2011, Liz Gallery and Cathy Martin initiated the UNCORKED series, hosting successful sold-out wine-tasting events—California UNCORKED, Australia UNCORKED, Chile UNCORKED, Italy UNCORKED, France UNCORKED, Spain UNCORKED, and Burgundy UNCORKED—raising funds for Grapes for Humanity. Liz and Cathy, as Grapes For Humanity ambassadors, travelled extensively worldwide, visiting supported charities and witnessing funded projects firsthand.
Additional successful events included 'The Great Toronto Tartar-Off' and 'Baah! The Great Lamby Cook-Off.' Notably, the biennial Grapes Under Pressure tours, led by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, proved immensely popular and lucrative, involving wine enthusiasts on VIA Rail journeys to Ontario wineries.
In December 2014, Doris Miculan Bradley was acclaimed at the annual general meeting as the new President and CEO of Grapes for Humanity Canada. Tony remains on the board as President Emeritus. In 2023, Doris stepped down as President in 2023, assuming the title of President Emeritus, and Helen Hatzis stepped in as the incoming President in September 2023.