Eleanor Malkin was extraordinarily successful in raising funds for worthwhile causes. By giving generously of her time and energy, she made a considerable difference to the cultural life of her home town: Vancouver.

Her charitable work started many years ago. She joined the Junior League in 1936 and was a founding member of the Vancouver Symphony Society in 1947. During her term as symphony president, she initiated the first school concerts and orchestra tours through the province.

In 1964 she founded the Society for the Welfare of the Arts, Sciences and Health, better known as SIWASH. This annual gala charity auction used its first year’s proceeds to set up the volunteer services at the Health Science Centre at U.B.C. and help the Vancouver Symphony Society. Later it was renamed the “Endeavor Society” and during 30 years it has raised nearly $7 million and distributed it to 76 beneficiaries.

No stranger to awards, our recipient was inducted into the Order of Canada in 1991 for her work in endeavor and more recently in 1995 won the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for community and humanitarian service.