Keith Strong Major Gift Announcement

Keith Strong: Championing Halton's Heroes

Keith Strong vividly recalls the evening he learned of the tragic deaths of two local police officers killed in the line of duty. Watching the news and seeing the grieving families trying to raise funds for immediate needs moved him deeply.

“I just knew that there had to be a better way,” Keith recalls. “Our dedicated police officers protect us every day. They risk their health and lives to ensure we live, work, and play in a safe community.”

A long-time Burlington resident, retired entrepreneur, and passionate philanthropist, Keith quickly took action. In 2011, he gathered like-minded community leaders to form the Community Cares Committee of Halton, which launched the Halton Heroes Gala.

Since its inaugural event in 2012, the Halton Heroes Gala has grown into a remarkable force for good. With five successful fundraising events, generous donations and through strong investment strategies while stewarded by the Burlington Community Foundation over the past 13 years, nearly $730,000 has been raised to support the families of injured or fallen officers.

In a major milestone, Keith and the Halton Heroes Committee announced that they were in the process of gifting the $730,000 to the newly formed Halton Police Foundation.

"This is now the rightful home of the Halton Heroes Fund," the Committee members declare. "We are honoured to partner with the Halton Police Foundation, and are confident that they will manage these funds wisely and responsibly."