The Canadian Picture Pioneers Trust Fund

The Canadian Picture Pioneers formed a Benevolent Fund in 1942, and in 1947 it became the Canadian Picture Pioneers Trust Fund under Government Registration operating under the separate authority of the Trustees. The Picture Pioneers Trust Fund is a Registered Canadian Charity, and is able to issue receipts for income tax purposes.

The help given by the Trust Fund is not looked upon as charity but rather a means by which we in the film industry may help each other.  The names of those needing help are usually brought to the attention of the Trustees by a friend or co-worker and are treated in the strictest confidence. The Trustees are happy that they are presently helping a number of people from different areas across Canada. It is not only retired persons who need and receive help but quite frequently it is young widows with school-age children.

The Trust Fund helps in many ways. It frequently pays additional costs not covered by a health insurance plan such as chronic care in a hospital, necessary medication, dental and optical requirements. It has provided for wheelchairs, prostheses special treatments and has, on occasion, purchased such items as a television set, an air conditioner unit and oxygen equipment.  A scholarship program has also been set-up to assist students enrolled in full-time post-secondary studies.

In stating the aims of the Trust Fund, past Chairman David Ongley once stated: "It is the quality of people’s lives that is the concern of the Pioneers and the Trust Fund - not simply their 'just getting by."

The Canadian Picture Pioneers is an organization that you can be proud of, as it assists each one of us in many ways, offering a rapport and support with all who are involved with the Motion Picture Industry an the communities they service.

Trust Fund Donations

Please remember the Trust Fund also needs your direct financial support by way of your annual charitable donations, funeral “in memory” donations, estate or insurance beneficiary contributions.

The Canadian Picture Pioneers Trust Fund has been assisting those in need of help for over 60 years.
In 2003 the Trustees approved awarding scholarships to students in need of financial assistance who are  enrolled in full time studies.  Each year the Trustees receive hundreds of applications from students requesting support for their studies.  Students are asked to write a short essay telling the judging Trustees about themselves and explain how the scholarship money would benefit them, and how their life and education will benefit society.

Applications are accepted in the fall of each year from eligible students who are legal residents of Canada, including residents of Quebec, who are 27 years of age and under, currently enrolled in full time studies at a post-secondary institution and who currently work or have worked in the film industry within the past 6 months, or are a child/grandchild of an individual who currently works or who has worked in the film industry in the past 6 months.

Contact the Canadian Picture Pioneer office for additional information regarding the Picture Pioneers Trust Fund Scholarship Program.

2008 Trust Fund Scholarships Recipients
Thomas Becker
Meghan Beecroft
Matt Caron
Heather Hollett
Kyle James-Hussey
Christine Latimer
Ashley Murphy
Katelyn Norris
Amita Risbud
Erika Sharp
Kathryn Underwood
Crystal Vicente