CanadaHelps is thrilled to welcome Robert McGuire, Tina Thomas and Danzel Pinto as new Directors.

As a public foundation, CanadaHelps is governed by a dedicated, volunteer Board of Directors who follow best practices for board governance, and provide broad strategic oversight to ensure that all of our resources are used in pursuit of the organization’s Mission and mandate. As a technology organization serving charities and donors, CanadaHelps strives to have expertise representing the charitable sector and tech and digital business.

Meet Robert McGuire

“I am truly honoured and excited to join such an impactful organization. For over 25 years, CanadaHelps has helped facilitate and direct Canadians’ generosity to charitable organizations in all sectors and across the country. As the organization embarks on its next chapter, CanadaHelps will play an even more important role in connecting donors and important causes.”

Robert McGuire recently retired as Managing Director and Global Market Manager for Citi Private Bank Canada where he served as Chairman of the Board of Citibank Canada Investment Funds Limited and also as Chairman of the Board and CEO of Citigroup Global Markets Canada Inc.

Prior to joining Citi, Robert was a Senior Banker with Société Générale in Paris, France and had previously led Société Générale’s Corporate and Investment Banking Group in Canada. Earlier career positions include senior marketing roles with Bank of America and Royal Bank of Canada in Toronto as well as an early career position as an economist with the Bank of Canada in Ottawa.
Robert holds an MBA from The University of Western Ontario’s Ivey School of Business, a B.Sc. (Economics) from l’Université de Montréal and completed the Institute of Corporate Directors Education Program at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto (obtained ICD.D designation).

Robert is fluently bilingual (French and English) and holds dual citizenships (France/Canada). He currently serves on the Board of Cuso International, a Canadian based not for profit international aid organization. He has served on the Board of Michael Garron Hospital (formerly Toronto East General Hospital), one of Canada’s leading community teaching hospitals. He is past Chair of the Board of Rise Asset Development, a not for profit entity that provides micro financing to individuals with mental health and/or addiction issues. He previously served on the Executive Committee of the Board and was Chair of the Audit & Finance Committee of the Toronto French School (one of Canada’s largest private schools). He is past Co-Chair of Citibank Canada’s United Way Campaign (2010).

Meet Tina Thomas

“I have had the privilege of working with two organizations that have benefited from using CanadaHelps to make online giving more accessible and efficient. I am thrilled to join the Board of such a dynamic and innovative organization, dedicated to leveraging its expertise in technology, software, and systems to simplify philanthropy for both donors and charities.”

Tina Thomas is the Chief Executive Officer at the Edmonton Community Foundation, the largest non-governmental funder of the charitable sector in Edmonton granting over $35M annually. She is proud to lead a group of passionate and dedicated staff who work with donors and community partners to build a better city. Prior to her tenure at ECF she spent over 13 years at the Edmonton Public Library, most recently as the Executive Director of Customer Experience. Before this she spent 13 years in the private sector working for Canadian Telecommunications provider Nortel.

A lifelong learner, Tina has earned an executive MBA, a Masters in Library Information Science, a CPA-CMA professional accounting designation and the Institute of Corporate Directors ICD.D. She was an Edify Magazine Top 40 Under 40, Library Journal Magazine Mover and Shaker, IABC Edmonton Communicator of the Year and a King Charles III’s Coronation Medal recipient. She was the co-chair of the Mayor’s Taskforce on the Housing and Houselessness Emergency and is currently on the boards of the Edmonton Community Development Corporation, the Association of Grant Makers in Alberta, and the Alberta Social Enterprise Venture Fund.

Meet Danzel Pinto

“CanadaHelps continues to lead the way in innovation, forging meaningful connections between donors and charities through creative and impactful approaches. It is a true honor and privilege to join this remarkable Board of Directors, and I am excited to work together as we empower charities to spend more time advancing their vital missions.”

Danzel is a Chartered Professional Accountant (Chartered Accountant) and Principal at Doane Grant Thornton LLP in the Greater Toronto Area where he exclusively serves charities and not-for-profit organizations. Danzel provides assurance and advisory services, with areas of focus including audit and financial reporting, financial statement reviews, operational process improvements, governance and reserves. Danzel is a frequent speaker and author on these and other wider issues affecting the sector.

In addition to his service to CanadaHelps, Danzel also serves as Treasurer of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners and National Treasurer of the Doane Grant Thornton Foundation. Danzel is also highly involved in his community, serving various leadership positions throughout his life. His service provides him a unique perspective into the challenges faced by charities and not-for-profit organizations, and he brings this understanding and passion in everything he does.