Gratefully Recognizing Our Supporters

Commemorating 80 Years of Freedom would not be possible without the generous commitment of our patrons and sponsors—leaders in business, philanthropy, and community building, united in honouring the legacy of liberation.

BECOME PART OF THE LEGACY

PATRONS

The 80 Years of Freedom Committee is honoured to have Annette Verschuren, Elizabeth Witmer and Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer as patrons and sponsors of our commemoration. Their distinguished careers and unwavering commitment to public service greatly enrich our mission.

Annette Verschuren

Annette Verschuren, OC, is a renowned Canadian business leader celebrated for her transformative impact across various industries. Born on June 24, 1956, in North Sydney, Nova Scotia, she was raised on a dairy farm in Cape Breton. Verschuren earned a degree in business administration from St. Francis Xavier University.

Her career began as a development officer with the Cape Breton Development Corporation, followed by roles at Canada Development Investment Corporation and Imasco Ltd. In 1993, she co-founded Michaels of Canada, serving as its president and co-owner. In 1996, Verschuren became president of The Home Depot Canada, leading its expansion from 19 to 179 stores and overseeing its entry into China. Currently, she is the Chair and CEO of NRStor Inc., an energy storage development company.

Verschuren holds board positions with Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Air Canada, Saputo Inc., and Canadian Natural Resources Limited. She also chairs the MaRS Discovery District Board and serves as Chancellor of Cape Breton University. Her contributions have been recognized with honorary doctorates from multiple Canadian universities, and she was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada for her impact on the retail industry and corporate social responsibility.

Elizabeth Witmer

Elizabeth Witmer is a distinguished Canadian politician and public servant with a legacy of dedicated service. Born on October 16, 1946, in Schiedam, Netherlands, she immigrated to Canada at a young age. Witmer earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Ontario and pursued postgraduate studies at the University of Waterloo. She worked as a secondary school teacher from 1968 to 1980.

Witmer's political career began as a school trustee on the Waterloo County Board of Education from 1980 to 1990, serving as chair in 1984. She was elected as the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Waterloo North in 1990, becoming the first female MPP elected in the Waterloo region. Throughout her 22-year tenure, Witmer held significant positions, including Deputy Premier, Minister of Labour, Minister of Health, Minister of the Environment, and Minister of Education. In 2012, she was appointed Chair of the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB), a role she held until 2022.

Witmer's dedication has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Paul Harris Fellowship Award from Rotary and the Kitchener-Waterloo Citizen of the Year Award. She continues to contribute to her community through various roles, such as serving on the Board of Trustees for St. Mary's General Hospital.

Witmer was instrumental in the establishment of Dutch Heritage Month in Ontario. We are deeply grateful for the support and leadership of Annette Verschuren and Elizabeth Witmer as patrons of the 80 Years of Freedom Committee. Their exemplary careers and dedication to public service inspire us all.

Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer

Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer is a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist renowned for his commitment to showcasing Canada's diverse landscapes and stories. Born into a prominent Dutch family, he relocated to Canada in 1999 with his wife and 6-month son, the oldest of now four boys, drawn by the country's rich cultural tapestry and welcoming spirit. Embracing his new homeland, Brenninkmeijer became a Canadian citizen and has since dedicated himself to projects that celebrate and connect the nation's communities.

In 2011, inspired by his childhood fascination with model trains and yearly visits to Madurodam outside The Hague in The Netherlands, Brenninkmeijer conceived the idea of Little Canada. This immersive attraction, located in downtown Toronto, offers a meticulously crafted miniature representation of Canada's iconic landmarks and regions, allowing visitors to explore the country's vast beauty in a uniquely intimate setting. Little Canada serves as both an educational resource and a testament to Brenninkmeijer's passion for his adopted country.

Beyond Little Canada, Brenninkmeijer has been actively involved in initiatives that promote cultural understanding and community building. His efforts reflect a deep-seated belief in the power of storytelling and shared experiences to unite people across diverse backgrounds. Through his work, he continues to inspire both newcomers and long-standing residents to appreciate and engage with the multifaceted narratives that shape Canada.

We are deeply grateful for the support and leadership of Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer as a patron of the 80 Years of Freedom Committee. His dedication to celebrating freedom and fostering community connections aligns seamlessly with our mission, and his contributions serve as an enduring source of inspiration.

🔗 The Story Behind Little Canada | Interview with Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer

SPONSORS

The 80 Years of Freedom Committee is honoured to welcome the following organizations as sponsors of our commemoration. Their commitment to supporting charitable initiatives across Ontario significantly enhances our mission.

Canadian Postcode Lottery Foundation

CORPORATE SPONSOR

Established in 2023, the Canadian Postcode Lottery Foundation aims to support and strengthen Ontario-based charities and community initiatives. By organizing postcode-based lotteries, the foundation will raise funds to benefit various charitable organizations throughout the province.

The foundation is part of the Postcode Lottery Group, which launched its first lottery, the Dutch Postcode Lottery (Nationale Postcode Loterij), in 1989. This lottery uses postal codes as ticket numbers and has become one of the largest lotteries in the Netherlands. Following the Dutch model, the Postcode Lottery Group established similar lotteries in Great Britain, Sweden, Germany, and Norway.

We are deeply grateful for the support and leadership of the Canadian Postcode Lottery Foundation as a patron of the 80 Years of Freedom Committee. Their dedication to fostering community development and supporting charitable causes aligns seamlessly with our mission and serves as an enduring source of inspiration.

Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Toronto

CORPORATE SPONSOR

We are honoured to have the support of the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Their generous contribution affirms a shared dedication to preserving the legacy of liberation and deepening the bonds of friendship between our two nations. Through this tribute, the Consulate helps ensure that the sacrifices made during the Second World War are remembered — and that new generations reflect on the enduring values of freedom, gratitude, and peace.

FRAM + Slokker Canada

CORPORATE SPONSOR

The 80 Years of Freedom Committee is proud to recognize FRAM + Slokker Canada as a valued patron of our commemoration. With a legacy rooted in community building and a strong presence in both Canada and the Netherlands, FRAM + Slokker’s support bridges the historical ties between our nations.

FRAM + Slokker is an international real estate development and construction company that has been operating in Canada for over 40 years. Known for quality craftsmanship, urban innovation, and sustainable community development, FRAM + Slokker Canada has contributed meaningfully to residential and commercial landscapes across the country. Their work reflects a deep commitment to integrity, collaboration, and long-term value creation.

We are especially honoured to have Paul Michel, CFO of FRAM + Slokker Canada, serve as the Executive Chairman of our 80 Years of Freedom Project. His leadership, strategic vision, and personal commitment to this initiative have been instrumental in shaping the success of this historic tribute.

We thank FRAM + Slokker Canada and Paul Michel for their enduring support, and for standing with us in commemorating the liberation of the Netherlands and celebrating the shared values of freedom, gratitude, and resilience.

Arcadis

CORPORATE IN-KIND SPONSOR

We are proud to have the support of Arcadis, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering. Their in kind contribution to 80 Years of Freedom: A Dutch Tribute to Canada reflects their deep commitment to shaping resilient, inclusive communities while honouring the stories that define them. This project holds personal significance for Arcadis Lead Architect Marco Vandermaas, whose grandfather was a member of the Dutch Resistance. Marco has preserved his family’s story in the book Resistance Fighter: My Grandfather’s Secret War, offering a powerful reflection on the courage and sacrifices of ordinary citizens in extraordinary times.