How a daughter’s diagnosis turned one Oakville family’s challenge into a half-century of giving.
In the fall of 1978, one diagnosis changed everything for Bonnie and Terry Jackson. Their eldest daughter, Joanna, just five years old, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
With two younger daughters, Heidi and Holly, at home, the Jacksons were suddenly faced with insulin injections, blood sugar testing, carb counting, and the daily unpredictability of a disease they barely understood. Their first reaction was disbelief — diabetes, at five?
Their next question became their life’s direction: how do we make this better?
That resolve began a journey that would evolve into nearly five decades of advocacy, fundraising, and deep community involvement. In those early years, the Jacksons immersed themselves in the diabetes community, through Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) and Diabetes Canada. What began as a personal mission quickly became a broader commitment to raising awareness, building community, and supporting research in any way they could.
Bonnie played a key role in the Toronto Chapter of JDRF, leading public relations and helping connect media to hundreds of fundraising events throughout the 1980s and beyond. From large-scale initiatives like the Rolls-Royce raffle at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, to fashion shows, Blue Jays game activations, and early rides, walks, and golf tournaments, the family was deeply embedded in building awareness and momentum for Type 1 diabetes research. Joanna herself often served as a young ambassador and poster child during these formative years.
Diabetes Canada also became an important part of their journey — particularly through Camp Huronda, a medically supported camp for children living with Type 1 diabetes. Today, the Jacksons are nearing completion of a $2 million initiative to rebuild essential washroom facilities at the camp. This project will support generations of children who attend.
In 1980, the family moved from Montreal to Oakville, where their philanthropic footprint would continue to grow. It was in Oakville that they were introduced to the Oakville Community Foundation (OCF), when they established their Family Fund. Through the Foundation, they gained a deeper understanding of local need and the transformative power of structured giving.
Both Bonnie and Terry took on active leadership roles — serving on committees, becoming Directors, and continually saying yes to causes that resonated with them. Terry brought his corporate leadership experience to the sector, serving as Chair of both the OCF and the Community Foundations of Canada, as well as Chair of Breakthrough T1D Canada and a member of its international board.
Bonnie focused her energy locally, supporting and championing organizations such as Kerr Street Mission, Oakville Hospital Foundation, United Way, Wellspring, Dog Guides, Acclaim Health, Home Suite Hope, and many others — all chosen for their strong governance and meaningful impact in the community.
While their individual roles have been significant, what matters most is the collective impact — the tangible results from giving and the relationships built along the way.
More recently, their focus has turned to legacy and generational giving. The Jacksons established Family Funds at the OCF for their three daughters and eight grandchildren. Rather than simply telling the next generation about philanthropy, they invited them into it.
Then just this past Christmas, something deeply meaningful unfolded. Around one table, each of their daughters and grandchildren shared how they intended to allocate their charitable funds — the causes they personally chose, and the reasons behind them. It was not only a moment of pride, but a moment of connection across generations.
“Our hearts were bursting with pride,” Bonnie recalls. “We are especially proud of our daughters, who have each embraced the value of giving back in their own way.”
Holly will soon assume the role of Chair of Breakthrough T1D Canada, continuing a family connection that began with her sister Joanna’s early involvement in camps and advocacy. The three girls have all served on committees over the years, contributing their time and energy to advancing the cause. Their leadership reflects the next generation carrying forward a legacy of service — not as an obligation, but as a choice.
For the Jacksons, philanthropy has never been an abstract concept. It is personal, practical, and deeply relational. It is rooted in experience, strengthened by community and sustained by purpose.
After nearly fifty years of involvement, they have received many honours, including the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award and the Adrian Coote Award for volunteer engagement with the OCF. But for them, recognition is not the measure of success.
The real reward lies in impact: in seeing lives changed, needs met, and communities strengthened. It is in the friendships formed through shared purpose, and the quiet gratitude exchanged between those who give and those who receive.
If there is one message they hope to pass on, it is simple: BEGIN.
As the Dalai Lama once said, responsibility does not rest only with leaders, but with each of us individually. And as Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us, greatness is measured through service.
The Jacksons have lived those words for nearly five decades. And they are not finished yet.
“When you stop giving or offering something to the rest of the world, it’s time to turn out the lights,” George Burns once said.
For Bonnie and Terry Jackson, the lights are still very much on.
