Ted Garrard, C.M., is the former CEO of SickKids Foundation, a position he held from 2009-2023.The Foundation supports one of the world’s leading centres for pediatric care, research and learning – the Hospital for Sick Children. Under Ted’s leadership, the Foundation increased annual revenues from $80 million to more than $213 million per annum, saw its endowment grow from $480 million to $1.3 billion, became one of the top brands in Canada and set a new standard for charity branding, grew the donor base by more than 100,000 to 330,000 annually, assembled a 37-member Board of Directors that became a “destination” Board for community leaders, became a digital leader in fundraising, doubled the number of staff from 120 to 250 employees, increased the Foundation operating budget from $26 million to $60 million annually, and oversaw the process that resulted in SickKids becoming the first hospital foundation in Canada to be accredited by Imagine Canada under their Standards program.
Prior to joining the Foundation Ted served as Vice-President, External at The University of Western Ontario from 1996-2009, where he led campaigns that raised more than $600 million. At Western he was also responsible for alumni relations, communications and public affairs and community relations. He also spent 13 years at United Way of Toronto in a variety of roles including Research Director, Marketing and Communications Director, and Director of Fundraising.
Ted is Chair Emeritus of Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundations, Past Chair of the Woodmark Group (the group represents 27 of the largest children’s hospitals in North America), past Chair of Imagine Canada, Past Chair of United Way of London-Middlesex, a past Director of United Way/Centraide Canada, and a past Director of the Canadian Council for Advancement in Education. He received the Association of Fundraising Professional’s Outstanding Fundraising Executive Award in 1997, was named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 in 1998, and in 2014 was named Outstanding Communicator by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). In June 2018, Ted was honoured with the Order of Canada, Canada’s highest civilian honour, and in 2022 Ted was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Ted founded West Shore Consulting to increase the capacity of charities in strategic planning, governance, fundraising, human resource management, brand management, and capital campaigns.He also serves as a Senior Consultant to CCS Fundraising, the world’s largest comprehensive strategic fundraising advisory firm.