The Hugh & Ilene Lawson Charitable Organization (HILCO) was established with the stated mission of creating expansive, and inclusive educational opportunities for young men and women, that do not have the financial resources to pursue their higher educational aspirations.
“Neither the individual nor the race is improved by almsgiving. The best means of benefiting the community is to place within its reach the ladders upon which the aspiring can rise.” Andrew Carnegie
Within the first 12 months of operation, HILCO plans to award three $2,000 scholarships each to qualified candidates, based on specific guidelines and merit.
In addition to funding, HILCO will endeavour to provide further support to students, by collaboratively engaging with them and their future institutions to ensure they have access to the requisite resources and services they need, from their first to last day of classes, throughout their educational journey, and as they transition into their chosen career.
Ilene E. Lawson
Board Chair
Ilene E. Lawson is the Chair of the Hugh & Ilene Lawson Charitable Organization. She has devoted her life’s work towards the healthcare industry, particularly those pockets of the community that are at risk. The foundation of her achievements has always been underpinned by education. Mrs. Lawson is a retired Nurse Case Manager from the Ontario Workers Compensation Board, who immigrated to Canada from England. She was initially employed as a registered nurse in paediatric medicine, and selected surgical departments in Toronto and Mississauga.
Ilene then went on to work in research psychiatry and women’s mental health at The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), which is Canada’s largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital, and a world leading research centre in this field. She was instrumental in the formation of the forensic department at CAMH, which entailed the assessment of criminal offenders that were refused by the court system, and required mental health diagnosis and treatments.
Mrs. Lawson was a member of the Multicultural Council of Peel, and a founding member of the Congress of Black Women, Mississauga Chapter. Its’ mission statement was to bring equitable assistance to families who were financially in need, and dually facilitate counselling and tutoring of young adults.
Ilene studied general nursing and midwifery in England, and also Sociology and Management at York University. She resides in Mississauga with her husband of over 50 years Hugh, and has two sons.
Hugh Lawson Jr.
Chief Development Officer
Hugh is a Purpose-Driven People-Centric Sales Leader | Intersectional Business Builder | Mentor | Lifelong Learner | Social Justice Advocate. He has over 25 years of experience helping clients drive brand engagement and improved business results by designing, executing and managing effective online, branded merchandise solutions for Enterprise size clients. Hugh is currently a member of Staples’ Canadian Promotional Products Division’s Senior Leadership team that oversees organizational strategic plans, P&L management, succession planning, process improvements, and growth objectives.