James Fund Governance
The James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research is a not-for-profit which raises funds for neuroblastoma research, awareness about the disease, and provides support to neuroblastoma families.
Our mission statement is: ”Inspiring change by sharing the unfolding story of our search to find a cure for neuroblastoma by raising funds while supporting families suffering the same pain.”
The funds we raise flow into SickKids Foundation in Toronto, Canada, which provides tax receipting services to our donors and reporting for our fundraising. The Registered Charitable Business Number for SickKids Foundation is 10808 4419 RR0001. SickKids Foundation is recognized in the United States by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 98-0183325), as well as being a publicly supported charity under Code Sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi).
The James Fund has one staff member, Executive Director Diana Birrell, and is governed by a Board of Directors which includes:
James Mewett has been involved in aviation since the age of 15 when he soloed a glider on his 13th flight. He has a Bachelor of Applied Science degree from the University of Toronto, is a Transport Canada Design Approval Representative and he owns a small company specializing in designing and building specialized aircraft modifications. James and his wife Carole have two children, Matthew and Katherine.
James met the Birrell family after he learned that young James Birrell was interested in building and racing a soap box racer. Having previously built two winning soap box racers for his children, he agreed to help. Building young James’ “Orange Rocket” was a life-altering experience for “Big James” as it was an opportunity to truly make a difference to a young boy in the last months of his life.
It is that desire to continue to make a difference in the fight against neuroblastoma that motivates James to contribute to the James Fund.
Jane Ulrich has a knack for bringing out the best in people and their businesses. As the majority shareholder at renowned manufacturer FisherCast Global, Jane dedicated many years to honing her skills at managing, assembling successful teams, client relations, negotiating and resolving conflicts within an organizational setting. Add to that her work as a community leader, where she has led the United Way Campaign, held an advisory role on the Trent Business Council, offered guidance for the local women’s business community, and dedicated herself to a number of charity events, and Jane is poised to offer invaluable experience to others. Today, she invests that insight and understanding into Jane Ulrich & Associates where she’s able to offer all the benefits of her personable, interactive approach to guiding, refining and bettering businesses.
Jane’s volunteer activities include Charter Member of the Trent Business Council (Trent University) , Director of The James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research Inc., Campaign Cabinet YWCA Crossroads, Campaign Chair United Way of Peterborough and County, and President Woman’s Business Network of Peterborough.
She was owner and president of FisherCast Global Corporation for 11 years.
Lloyd Graham, FICB is a retired Senior Manager/Facilitator from Bank of Montreal after 32 years. He is Past President of The Rotary Club of Peterborough, Five Counties Childrens’ Centre Foundation, Camp Kawartha and the Canadian Authors Ass’n (CAA) (Peterborough Branch). He is also Past National Treasurer of the CAA. Lloyd is a published writer- poetry and short stories, a walking stick carver and sign language instructor. He lectures to 4th year students in the B. Ed. programme at Trent University on how to teach poetry to children. He has been called a ‘Renaissance man’.
Lloyd is a ‘coach’ for Persons with disabilities at BMO and has a summer business www.pedalnpaddle.ca , renting canoes, kayaks and bicycles. He and his partner Claire spent a semester (2010) at the Catholic University (CUNIMA) in Malawi, Africa teaching sign language to honours students in the Special needs education programme.
Moe Grant is a Senior Commercial Banking Manager at the Bank of Montreal in Peterborough, serving clients of $1M to $20M. He is Past President of the Rotary Club of Peterborough as has served on the Board of Directors of numerous charities. (Full bio for Moe Grant is not available at this time).
Rhonda Walst joined The James Fund Board in February 2010. She has a business degree from Trent University, and is busy full time with 3 young boys. She and husband Brad Walst (Three Days Grace rock band) have a neuroblastoma child named James and have been generous in their support of JF events. Rhonda and all four grandparents attend the James Fund Retreat.
Sydney Birrell, F.R.C.O, G.R.S.M., A.R.C.M. is James’ Dad and the founder of The James Fund. He is also the founder and conductor of the Peterborough Singers, one of Canada’s leading community choirs, and was Director of the Ministry of Music at Murray St. Baptist Church for many years. He is the long term organist at Lakefield College School. Syd was born in Sarnia, Ontario, and began his career as a young chorister at St. George’s Anglican Church, Montreal. He studied at the Royal School of Church Music in London, England, and the Royal College of Music, winning a Sawyer Prize in Organ performance. Returning to Canada in 1975, he took the post of organist and choirmaster at St. John’s Anglican Church in Peterborough until 1984. Syd performs regularly and has given organ recitals across Canada, and in Mexico and the USA.
Syd is married to Pamela, also a musician, and has two children. Outside of music, Syd is well known in Canadian pediatric cancer research circles for his work in raising awareness and funds to find a cure for neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer that claimed their son James, through The James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research. Syd is also a published writer and an inspirational speaker, and his book “Ya Can’t Let Cancer Ruin Your Day” has quickly become a Canadian best-seller.
The James Fund is currently expanding. If you are interested in serving on our Board, please contact:
Diana Birrell
Executive Director
The James Fund
625 Whitaker Street #4
Peterborough, On
K9H 7L5
(705) 749-3941
diana.birrell@jamesfund dot ca
