Credit: Jo-Anne McArthur/We Animals for HSI
FOUNDATION OVERVIEW
Born out of a love of animals, humanity and nature, THE ERIC S. MARGOLIS FAMILY FOUNDATION has been established to support and nurture these vital elements.
The mandate of the foundation is threefold:
To support organizations, who provide a natural sanctuary for abused, neglected and abandoned animals, both wild and domesticated.
To support the advocacy work of organizations worldwide, who rally for more stringent animal cruelty laws and subsequent penalties.
To support organizations worldwide, whose main focus is to help animals, both wild and domesticated, who may be in immediate distress.
Eric and Dana Margolis share a passion for animals and their wellbeing. This passion forms the basis of the Eric S. Margolis Family Foundation.
After decades spent supporting a myriad of animal welfare organizations at home and abroad, Eric and Dana decided to formalize their support into a foundation that could also bring further awareness to the plight of so many innocent creatures around the globe.
The foundation is governed by a board of directors. The scope continues to be global but with an emphasis on Canadian based charitable organizations that fall within the mandate of the foundation.
Eric Margolis is a veteran journalist and author. He has covered numerous conflicts around the world as a correspondent and witnessed much suffering.
“I have never been able to witness the suffering of helpless animals who have no voice to express their pain, fears, loneliness and being wrenched away from family. We share all these emotions with animals – and they with us.” - Eric Margolis
Eric and Dana, will continue to support organizations that fall under the pillars of the foundation and in addition will focus on issues such as
Mass factory farming, which kills millions of animals a year
The fight to end the massacre of elephants and rhinos in Africa
The fight to end animal testing
The Foundation will establish relationships with like-minded organizations and with those, who love animals, to support their ongoing work.
“I cannot perform miracles, but I can do many small things with great love” - Mother Theresa of Calcutta
ERIC S. MARGOLIS AND DANA MARGOLIS
CREDIT: TOP-LEFT, BOTTOM-RIGHT: MICHAEL BERNARD, HUMANE SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL/CANADA; TOP-RIGHT, BOTTOM-LEFT: RON VAN DER WEES, RVDW CREATIVE INC.
On October 23rd, 2019, The Eric S Margolis Family Foundation was pleased to host an evening to help increase awareness for the work of Four Paws International. The focus of the occasion was a panel discussion to highlight the recent animal rescue missions Four Paws has undertaken in Mosul, Aleppo and Rafah. The evening also had a photography exhibit and video to help bring the daring rescues to life. The Fairmont Royal York ballroom was overflowing with hundreds of guests who also enjoyed a reception to meet the panelists and many Four Paws team members who had joined us from across the globe.
A night to remember for all in attendance.
IN THE MEDIA
GALLERY
80 dogs RESCUED from a South Korean dog meat farm
The Eric S. Margolis Family Foundation has proudly been a long time supporter of Humane Society International/Canada and the valuable work they do around the world. When the foundation was approached to assist with the rescue of 80 dogs from a South Korean dog meat farm, there was no hesitation. The request was urgent and we knew critical to the outcome we all wanted.
Foundation head Eric Margolis commented:
“There was no time to lose, we had to help get those innocent dogs to freedom, with medical help and facilities to house the animals all waiting for them in Canada. Not to mention an outpouring of love and compassion. Another outstanding example of teamwork lead by HSI Canada“ Dana Margolis travelled to Montreal to greet the dogs along with photographer and animal lover Ryan Emberley.
“ I felt so many emotions on my visit ... but nothing could top witnessing a mother reunited with her pups .. instant awareness, happiness and love. It is a reminder that animals feels all the emotions humans feel .. terror, loss, abandonment, love. I witnessed all positive emotions on my visit as these dogs were finally free, being looked after and above all being loved. What a joy it was”
Dana Margolis
Please visit the link below to view the HSI/Canada press release focusing on this rescue.
Olympian Gus Kenworthy reunites with Beemo, the puppy he is adopting from a South Korean dog meat farm
We have also included the images from Dana’s visit to Montreal to meet with the HSI/Canada team and many of the rescued animals.
All images: Ryan Emberley.
click each image to scroll through.
Canada Bound: One Ending Leads to a New beginning For Two Lucky Husky DogS
Team Dog Rescue
Toronto Canada - Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport was the final stop on what has been a long and at sometimes dangerous journey for two Husky dogs. Lucy and Loki were part of a group of 13 animals rescued from an abandoned zoo in Aleppo Syria. Their at times clandestine journey took them through the borders of Syria, Turkey and Jordan.
A brief stay in Amman and onward to Canada and a new home.
Well known businessman and journalist Eric Margolis was instrumental in privately backing the first leg of this odyssey, recalling that:
“Among the 13 captive shell-shocked animals that we rescued two months ago from war-torn Aleppo were two strapping husky dogs. These dogs had undergone the same miseries and fear as the other animals trapped in cages as battles raged around them.
Four Paws International, the superb animal rescue charity, managed to rescue these dogs along with the lions, tigers, bears and hyenas also trapped”
Margolis’s ongoing support allowed the dogs to receive much needed medical care before being flown to Canada.
On arrival in Toronto Margolis’ Canadian based foundation went into high gear to see that the dogs were welcomed and looked after.
Care was handed over to Ontario based animal charity Team Dog Rescue , who will oversee the next chapter for Lucy and Loki.
“Whatever medical needs they have will be dealt with and a canine expert for socialization will help ensure that Lucy and Loki are soon ready for adoption with a loving family. The Eric S. Margolis Family Foundation’s goal is to help animals in distress. It is something I want to do and will do for as long as I can. Team work across borders, continents and oceans brought all of the original Aleppo 13 to safety and new lives.”
Next up is a Canadian winter, the best place for two brave huskies.
Mary Symons
Credit: Ryan Emberley
COMPASSION INTERVENTION RESCUE
THE WORK OF HUMANE SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL / CANADA
PRESENTED BY THE ERIC S. MARGOLIS FAMILY FOUNDATION
TORONTO (April 11, 2016) - For the first time in the history of Humane Society International/Canada a photographic exhibition will highlight the organization's life saving work accomplished nationally and around the globe. Over a two week span from April 11 to April 22 2016 The Allen Lambert Galleria, Brookfield Place, Toronto will provide the backdrop for these stunning images and riveting overview.
The viewer will see first-hand the difference the work of HSI/Canada means to animals in peril. Focus will fall on key areas of concern: companion animals, farm animals, wildlife and animals in research. Images have been captured by a cross
section of extraordinary photographers, chronicling all aspects of the challenges faced by animals and their rescuers.
To see HSI/Canada's story on the exhibit, please click here:
http://www.hsi.org/world/canada/work/hsi-canada-photo-exhibit.html
THE ERIC S. MARGOLIS FAMILY FOUNDATION LAUNCH
June 11th, 2013 - Shangri-La Hotel Toronto
On Tuesday June 11, 2013 a capacity crowd gathered to celebrate the launch of the Eric S. Margolis Family Foundation. A broad cross section guests inclusive of media, animal lovers and supporters, leaders of Toronto's business, cultural and social spheres joined together in support of the trust. In honour of the launch, a special presentation on The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, was given by the trust's UK based Director Rob Brandford and by DSWT patron Kristin Davis. Guests left armed with knowledge and with ways to help end the horrific poaching of Ivory and the needless demise of the elephant and rhino populations in Africa.
How To Be A WILD ELEPHANT
February 12th, 2014 - Shangri-La Hotel Toronto
The Eric S. Margolis Family Foundation hosted a a private screening of the acclaimed documentary How To Be A Wild Elephant. The films producer and director Lynn Booth spoke to the invited audience about making the documentary, which chronicles the challenges faced by orphan elephants at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust as they leave the Nairobi nursery for the wilderness and their journey onwards to join the wild herds. The film was followed by a reception, attended by supporters of the trust, media and those involved with the film.
THE ERIC S. MARGOLIS FAMILY FOUNDATION IS PROUD TO SUPPORT MANY ORGANIZATIONS
some current beneficiaries include:
Humane Society International/Canada
http://www.hsi.org/world/canada/
Iqaluit Humane Society
www.nunavutrescue.ca
Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre
http://kawarthaturtle.org/blog/
NWT SPCA
http://www.nwtspca.com/
Refuge RR
refugee.org
Toronto Wildlife Centre
www.torontowildlifecentre.com
THE ERIC S. MARGOLIS FAMILY FOUNDATION
APPLICATION FOR FUNDING
Statement regarding applications for funding
The board of directors of the foundation welcome all applications that fall within the mandate of our organizations work. Please review the pillars of the foundation before you apply. At this time we are only able to accept applications from Canadian registered charities. If you are an international charitable group that has a Canadian office, this office must have a registered Canadian charitable number as well. We do not work through second party funding. Should your application be approved, your request must go directly to the group who’s name is on the application. The board meets twice a year in May and in November.* The applicant will be informed either way once the board has made a decision. We thank you for your interest in The Eric S. Margolis Family Foundation.
Dana and Eric Margolis
*Please be aware, the foundation board meets twice a calendar year. Once in late May and again in late November. All accepted applications will be presented to the board at these times. In rare cases the board may make exceptions for dire emergencies that fall within the foundations stated mandate.
Please fill out the application below.
If there are any additional supporting documents please submit to margolisfoundation@gmail.com
The Foundation board meets to review all applications twice a year, in late spring and fall. Application deadlines are April 30th for spring and October 31st for fall. All applications will be taken into consideration by the board at the nearest meeting date, at which point the applicant will be advised of the outcome.
Thank you for considering The Eric S. Margolis Family Foundation.