TORONTO, November 14, 2005 -- On this national day of philanthropic appreciation, York University has cause to be thankful. This past year (fiscal 2004-2005) was York’s best year of fundraising ever, with 9,675 alumni, friends, staff and students supporting the University. Over the last three years, the number of donors to York has increased by 58 per cent and overall revenue has increased by 79 per cent. This past year alone, supporters contributed more than $19 million in revenue to York through the York University Foundation, established three years ago as an innovative model of university fundraising.

"These numbers are very encouraging," says Timothy Price, Chair of the Board of the York University Foundation. "Together, York University and the York University Foundation have done an exemplary job of building new relationships and nurturing existing ones. We are confident that we will continue to break records while ensuring a strong and vital future for Canada's third-largest university."

This past fiscal year included five new gifts of $1 million or more. Leading the way was a $5-million gift to establish the Milton and Ethel Harris Research Initiative (MEHRI). This major research project will build on new knowledge of the brain's development and help set children -- including those with developmental disorders -- on the path towards healthy development. This is the single largest private research gift in York's history and the single largest donation of any kind to York's Atkinson Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies.

"Our donors have really stepped up," says Lorna R. Marsden, president and vice-chancellor of York University. "They are helping us redefine the possible."

The Foundation’s third annual Report to Donors can be found on the Foundation’s website www.yorku.ca/foundation .

 

 

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For further information, please contact:

 

Carrie Brodi

Senior Communications Officer

York University Foundation

416-650-8141

brodic@yorkfoundation.yorku.ca

www.yorku.ca/foundation