History

No matter how much we grow and change, we’ll never forget the seeds of where we came from.

The RTOERO Foundation is the philanthropic partner of RTOERO; an association of 85,000 members across Canada and the largest national provider of group health benefits for education sector retirees. The Foundation was initially created to fund research in the field of geriatrics and gerontology and to support projects aimed at improving the quality of life for older adults in Canada.  


2011

The RTOERO Foundation is established to raise funds for the creation of an endowed Chair in Geriatric Medicine at the University of Toronto. The inaugural position is awarded to Dr. Paula Rochon, Senior Scientist at the Women’s College Research Institute in Toronto.

Johnson Inc. makes its first donation to the Foundation.

Valerie Mah is appointed as the first Chair of the Board of Directors.

2016

The RTOERO Foundation launches its granting program in order to identify and partner with researchers and community programmers to address the most critical issues faced by our aging population.

Joanne Murphy is appointed as the new Chair of the Board of Directors.

2017

The first issue of Embrace Aging, our quarterly donor newsletter, is published.

2018

Social Isolation Awareness Month first launches in October as the RTOERO Foundation’s signature fundraising and awareness campaign.

The RTOERO Foundation launches its annual webinar series featuring experts in the fields of geriatrics, healthy aging, social engagement and the benefits of charitable giving.

2019

Johnson Inc. cumulative support reaches the $1 million mark.

2020

Dr. Rochon is awarded a second 5-year term, based on the impressive scope and impact of her work.

2021

The RTOERO Foundation celebrates its 10-year anniversary.

The RTOERO Foundation launches Chime In, an open, online chat hosted by foundation volunteers. Chime In was initially designed as a program to help relieve social isolation among seniors during the Covid-19 pandemic.

2022

Ted Whiteland is appointed as the new Chair of the Board of Directors.