Statement from the Canada Council of AHP in Support of Mide Akerewusi's Appointment to Interim Chair of the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter

The Canada Council of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) has followed the events unfolding with the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter. We are grateful to Nneka Allen, Mide Akerewusi, and Múthoní Kariuki for sharing their story. We acknowledge the burden they shoulder in doing so, and we salute them for shining a light on racism in our sector. Their testimony is a call for all of our organizations to look inward and address the presence of discrimination and inequality.

Additionally, we want to express our wholehearted support for the appointment of Mide Akerewusi as Interim Chair of the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter. We believe that under his leadership, the organization will be able to address the past and current injustices toward fundraisers of colour and make meaningful change. We are eager to collaborate with Mr. Akerewusi and the new board of AFP Greater Toronto to build a better, more equitable community for fundraisers of colour across Canada.

As an organization that champions diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, AHP believes that it is critical that we all commit to reflection and rigorous self-evaluation. Today, AHP has renewed its commitment to challenge oppressive systems, to work to address flaws in our own practices, and to encourage our membership to do the same. We can and always must do better.

There is a long way to go, and we look forward to being a part of the journey.

The AHP Canada Council

The AHP Canada Council represents the Association’s Canadian membership, advocating for them and ensuring members have access to events and resources that suit the needs of Canadian healthcare philanthropy professionals.