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We sat down with Niki to learn more about her role and what drives her work in the child welfare space.
What is your role as Chief Development Officer?
“As Chief Development Officer, my role is to inspire charitable investment at the community, corporate, and major giving levels, while stewarding that collective goodwill to maximize the social value of donations. I also advocate for the children and families we support, raising awareness about the complex challenges they face within the child welfare system.
A big part of my work involves leading our talented fundraising team and partnering with passionate business leaders through initiatives like our Futures Transformed $100M Campaign. Together, we are working to mobilize resources to help fulfill the Foundation’s mission and improve young lives across Canada.”
What inspired you to take on this role? What makes you uniquely positioned for it?
“Becoming the Chief Development Officer at Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada is, in many ways, a homecoming for me. I started my career here 28 years ago, and it sparked my passion for helping young people who are often born into challenging circumstances.
What inspires me today is the belief that every child deserves the support of a loving family or network, and as a mother, this belief has become even more personal. The opportunity to focus my time and talents on improving the health and well-being of youth in care is incredibly rewarding.
I bring nearly three decades of experience in major fundraising campaigns. Prior to rejoining the team, I spent almost 10 years leading a $250M capital campaign in healthcare. That experience gave me the skills to navigate complex campaigns, rally communities, and develop programs that keep pace with trends, all of which help me drive real change for the children and families we support.”
What would you like potential donors to know?
“When you give to Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada, you’ll quickly see the impact of your generosity. Your gift is strategically invested to improve the lives of at-risk children, youth, and families, helping to break cycles of poverty, trauma, and abuse.
We take great care in ensuring that every donation creates meaningful, measurable outcomes. And as you witness the positive changes your support brings, we encourage you to share your giving story. Your generosity can inspire others to step forward and help us in our mission to change young lives for the better.”
How do you plan to engage with donors and partners to support our mission?
“Engagement is incredibly personal, and I’m committed to meeting donors and partners where they are. It’s about understanding their goals and how our work can align with their values, making Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada a meaningful part of their giving journey.
I also believe in the power of connection. Events like Stand Up for Kids Night and the Foundation Gala – Teddy Bear Affair are wonderful opportunities to bring donors and partners together, celebrate our collective achievements, and share the ongoing needs of the children and families we support. These events help build relationships that continue to strengthen our mission over time.”
Through her leadership, passion, and deep commitment to supporting children and youth in care, Niki is helping to drive real change at Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada. By fostering a culture of generosity and meaningful connection, she ensures that every donation makes a lasting impact.
Together, we can transform the futures of young people in care.
