Living my ‘WHY’ to help people succeed.
2023 marks a special year for CAN Fund Founder, Jane Roos - celebrating 20 years of helping the best athletic talent in this country make their dreams achievable. The non-profit organization, which started with a vision to help a few athletes, has provided financial support to thousands of athletes over the past two decades.
Jane understood the importance of seizing every moment from a young age. Her perspective was strengthened during her recovery from a second back operation at the Toronto Western Hospital, which occurred after a car accident that tragically took the life of her best friend. It was during this time that Jane realized her purpose - to provide people with the opportunity to pursue their dreams. As a former athlete herself, and with her husband Conrad being an Olympian, Jane recognized a pressing need. Canadian athletes require financial support to compete at a global level, including funding for travel to training camps and competitions, proper equipment, optimal nutrition, additional physiotherapy, coaching, and basic living expenses.
We cheer for our athletes with patriotism and pride, but what many do not realize is the financial burden they face to wear the maple leaf. Unfortunately, the majority still go into debt just to represent Canada. Jane describes CAN Fund as the athlete's charity. A vehicle to empower the athlete by putting funding directly into their hands so they can best choose how to optimize their training and competition needs.
On average, over 900 athletes apply to CAN Fund twice a year. Three out of five athletes are in debt with a negative net income, and 53% work a part-time job to supplement their expenses while training and competing for 40+ hours a week.
Starting a charity is not easy, and Jane recalls the early years of operating out of her home and overcoming the massive challenges of establishing a grassroots organization that is essentially to our athletes what "seed money is for entrepreneurs.” Her goal is to fund every athlete who is eligible to receive funding and the need has never been more prevalent with a record number of athletes recently submitting applications.
CAN Fund has a rich history of supporting Canadian athletes, having aided over 80% of athletes representing Canada at every Games since Athens 2004. The likes of Christine Sinclair, Jayna Hefford, Jon Montgomery, Rosie MacLennan, Adam van Koeverden, Perdita Felicien, Billy Bridges, and Joannie Rochette have all relied on CAN Fund at some point in their careers. Jane understands that financially supporting athletes means supporting their dreams, something that can’t be redone. Very few things are like that in life, where you pour your heart and soul into something for one day, one run, one game, one moment.
Athletes commit a considerable amount of time and effort to achieve greatness, where excellence is only the starting point, and their career provides a limited window to pursue the title of the world’s best. Athletes are not only role models but also ambassadors of our country. Like anyone who has ever achieved success, they require the support and belief of others to achieve their goals.
What keeps Jane going is hope and faith that when you are on a path, the universe will support you. She strives to help people so they can reach their full potential and in turn inspire others to dream big in their own lives. She sees athletes as the catalyst to help us dream more, achieve more, and show us all what is possible.
Jane founded CAN Fund #150Women five years ago as a way to build a community of women who are dedicated to supporting female athletes competing for Canada. Being a mother of two daughters, she understands the importance of women supporting women. Initially, this initiative started as a campaign but has now transformed into a movement. This movement is critical now more than ever because female athletes in Canada and globally are fighting for equal recognition and opportunities. CAN Fund #150Women is actively breaking down barriers and challenging harmful gender stereotypes. Each member of CAN Fund #150Women is contributing towards a brighter future for female athletes in Canada, so the next generation can have an easier path toward success. They are helping to create a world where young girls can see successful female athletes and know that they too can achieve their dreams.
To date CAN Fund #150Women has funded 556 female athletes with $6,000 each to better afford the resources they need to continue being world-class. By donating $150 or more, individuals can become a member of CAN Fund #150Women and receive the name of the female athlete being supported, as well as a tax receipt. The minimum donation of $150 is typically the average cost for most events.
As a member of CAN Fund #150Women, one can experience the power of community and be part of a network of like-minded individuals. The HASU Challenge (Hook a Sister Up) is an initiative that emphasizes the importance of women supporting each other to ensure that they are noticed and provided with opportunities. CAN Fund #150Women is changing the game by breaking barriers and challenging harmful gender norms.
Despite the progress that has been made, there is still work to be done to ensure pay equity and equal opportunities for women athletes. Jane's work in highlighting the importance of sports philanthropy and the impact of proper funding for athletes is commendable. Her passion to create and drive forward change is an inspiration, and it is why she was named one of 23 influential Canadian women in sport to watch this year by the Toronto Sun.
Jane is also an artist, gallery owner and speaker, and after my discussion with Jane, I was in awe of this woman who has dedicated her life to service and making people's lives better. She has taught me the value of intentional living and to have problems that are worthy of my life. Jane strives to "make the hill higher so that women can see further." The tagline for CAN Fund #150Women is to BE EPIC, and Jane is certainly an epic role model.
If you wish to donate, please click here: CAN Fund Impacting Athletes (e2rm.com)
