As we mark the 150th anniversary of confederation, The Philanthropist is profiling Canadians from across the non-profit sector and putting a face to 150 individuals who work or volunteer in Canada’s social sector.
Name: Daniel H. Lanteigne
Current role in the sector: Executive Director, REA Foundation
Years working and/or volunteering in the non-profit sector: I have been working for nonprofits since 2015, however, I have been involved in the sector for more than 20 years.
What was your first job in the sector or your defining moment?
When I was a child, I lost a part of my right leg and was enrolled in the CHAMP (Child Amputee) Program of The War Amps. Who could have guessed that many years later this would lead to a professional career dedicated to people with physical disabilities! After seven years working in the corporate sector, I joined The War Amps staff, before having the amazing opportunity to manage a new foundation: the REA Foundation. REA is the result of a merger of three foundations in physical rehabilitation in Quebec.
Describe your desk/workspace.
Well, actually, my desk is the cleanest one you’ll find! I hate mess and that’s the same with my email inbox—I am determined to keep it empty!
What are you reading or following that has expanded your understanding of the non-profit sector?
There are just so many, and I wish I could allow more time for keeping track of what is going on in the sector. The Philanthropist is of course a great source of information, as is the Association of Fundraising Professional’s Advancing Philanthropy. I log into LinkedIn daily to see updates from from Imagine Canada, KCI, and The Sponsorship Collective.
What do you think our sector needs to be thinking about?
REA Foundation is the result of a merger of three similar organizations, and that isn’t the first merger in its history. I think that organizations will need to look at opportunities for cooperating and yes, sometimes, merging, for the benefit of their donors, but especially for their community.
Do you know someone we should profile as part of this series? Email us at philanthropistprofiles@gmail.com
