6 June 2012
London, United Kingdom
The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust was launched on February 6, 2012, the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty The Queen’s accession to the throne. The Diamond Jubilee Trust will be funded by governments, individuals, organizations and the private sector, and will invest in projects that seek to make a real and enduring difference in people’s lives throughout the Commonwealth.
The Diamond Jubilee Trust is chaired by the Right Honourable Sir John Major, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and is managed by a Board of Trustees. In addition, Commonwealth countries may appoint national representatives to mobilize domestic private sector donations to the Trust. Canada was one of the first Commonwealth countries to appoint a national representative to the Trust. The appointment of the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien as Canada’s representative to the Trust was announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on April 30, 2012.
The Government of Canada’s contribution to the Trust in the amount of up to $20 million, consisting of $10 million contribution and up to an additional $10 million based on matching private sector donations, was announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper during his visit to London, United Kingdom, on June 6, 2012.
The work of the Diamond Jubilee Trust will focus on six themes, one theme for each decade of The Queen’s reign and inspired by Her Majesty’s interests and record of service:
- Young Diamonds: using sport for youth development;
- Urban Food: supporting the development of urban gardens to improve nutrition and supplement income;
- Disability to Capability: supporting full and independent living for persons with disabilities;
- Heritage and Culture: promoting cultural engagement across the Commonwealth;
- Exceptional Leaders: supporting leadership in community engagement; and
- Care with Dignity: promoting care for the elderly and supporting their full participation in society.
For more information about the Diamond Jubilee Trust, including how to contribute, visit http://www.jubileetribute.org
