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Ignat Kaneff Charitable Foundation
In 1951, Ignat ‘Iggy’ Kaneff came to Canada with only five dollars in his pocket and almost no understanding of English. In 1955, just four years after he came to Canada, Ignat Kaneff made his first major philanthropic donation when he pledged against his future earnings to support the development of Mississauga’s first hospital. This was the lead gift, and 20 times larger than the second largest gift. His good heart sparked over 65 years of a genuine and sustained commitment to philanthropy. The Ignat Kaneff Charitable Foundation was established in 1986 by Mrs. Didi Kaneff, giving tens of millions to various educational and health organizations.
Ignat Kaneff had a deep respect for universities, donating over $15 million to The University of Toronto, York University, Osgoode Hall Law School and Ruse University in Bulgaria, his country of birth. Community Living Mississauga, an organization that supports intellectually disabled people by ensuring their quality of life in the community is meaningfully improved, has been greatly supported by Ignat Kaneff Charitable Foundation’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament, raising approximately $1.6 million to date. In recognition of his many business achievements and philanthropic contributions, Ignat Kaneff was awarded the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario. With his passing, the Kaneff Family carry on his legacy and philanthropic efforts, continuing on what he started so long ago.