In our ongoing commitment to the health, well-being, and student success of our Halton Catholic children and families, the HCCF Board of Directors continuously updates not only our policies and objectives, but also our ongoing vision and approach to fundraising. The integral role that the Board plays in creating and realizing our policies and fundraising objectives is due entirely to the dedication, initiative, and creativity of our Board members to engage and inspire our community.

Board leadership, therefore, is integral to HCCF’s ongoing success, and we have been extremely fortunate for the past year and a half to have had James McInnis as our HCCF Board Chair. Over James’ 6 years as a Director of the HCCF Board, he has held various roles and positions including chairing several committees and event fundraisers as well as serving on the HCCF Executive for the past 3 years first as Vice Chair and in January 2023 was acclaimed Chair of the Board of Directors.

James also served as Acting Executive Director from April to August of 2024 and led the recruitment and onboarding of our new full-time Executive Director, Victoria Craig during this time.

Under his leadership, HCCF was successful in meeting targets of our 2021-2024 Strategic Plan. In February 2024 HCCF launched a new three-year strategic plan with goals to once again double the number of students helped. James was instrumental in the creation of the Graduate Award bursary program, and since June 2021, the HCCF has recognized over 180 graduating students from both the Elementary and Secondary panels with bursaries to help support their educational journey.  

James’ passion for and dedication to helping HCDSB students in need succeed in school will be missed as he stepped down from the role of Chair, HCCF Board, when he completed his second three-year term on the HCCF Board in June 2024.

“It has been my pleasure to serve as Chair of the HCCF Board of Directors. Over the past 6-years the foundation has continued to grow in terms of supporting an increasing number of students and families in needs, while also growing our Fundraising program during uncertain times. I am excited for the future of our Foundation as our Board has just finalized our new Strategic Plan: 2024-2027, that sets ambitious goals to ensure that we can continue to say ‘Yes’ to students and families in need in our Halton Catholic Community.” – James McInnis

Please join us in thanking James for his service to HCCF.

Our newly elected Board Chair Patrick Murphy and continuing Vice-Chair Lina Giammarco have already started their work towards realizing the HCCF’s new three-year strategy for 2024-2027.

Patrick has been on the HCCF Board of Directors since June 2023 and has been very active by being a member of and chairing several committees and fundraisers. Patrick brings a wealth of experience both professionally and from his volunteer service to his community. Prior to joining the HCCF Board of Directors, Patrick was an elected school trustee for the HCDSB Board and served as Chair of the board from 2020-2021. He is also a Past Grand Knight of the Holy Rosary Knights of Columbus

“It is an honour to be elected Chair of the Board of Directors of the Halton Catholic Children’s Foundation. Over the past few years, the HCCF has helped over 800 students to have equitable opportunities at school, regardless of financial barriers. We will continue to work towards our targets of doubling the number of students supported financially each year while increasing our fundraising program to ensure we can meet the growing need. I look forward to working with our Board of Directors, Vice Chair Lina Giammarco, Executive Director Victoria Craig, as well as our donors, volunteers, and stakeholders to ensure that we can continue to say “Yes” to students and families in need in our Halton Catholic community.” – Patrick Murphy

Lina joined the HCCF Board of Directors in June 2019 and was first acclaimed Vice Chair in January 2023 then elected for a 2-year term as Vice Chair in June 2023. In addition to her role on the HCCF executive, she has been a very active member of several committees as well chairing several committees and events.

“I am honoured to take on the role of Vice Chair of the HCCF and continue to serve the students and families of HCDSB who are faced with financial barriers. As an educator in this board, I have seen first-hand how students in need face challenges meeting with success at school. Every child deserves an equal opportunity to grow and flourish in our system and the Foundation strives to provide families access to the resources they need to support this growth. I am excited to continue to work alongside my fellow Directors and with this generous community in service of HCDSB families.” – Lina Giammarco

Please join us in welcoming new Board Chair Patrick Murphy. We look forward to our ongoing success in serving the children and families of the Halton community.