1999 Award Recipients

Mr. Louis (Bud) and
Mrs. Patricia Odette

Bud and Patricia Odette have quietly woven opportunities and support into the fabric of many communities throughout Ontario. Their commitment to philanthropy has had a direct impact on changing and saving lives. Bud was the founder of the Home for the Mentally Handicapped in Orangeville and served as it's Chairman for 14 years. He has been Chairman of the Sunny View School for Handicapped Children Foundation for ten years, and, with Patricia, donated the Odette Adventure Centre at the School.

Bud Odette has a long history of generosity to St. Michaels Hospital, which includes funding for the world's first Simulated Trauma Man, named "Buddy" in his honour. Patricia's commitment to St. Michaels Palliative Care has provided warmth and compassion to hundreds of patients and their families. Bud was one of the first donors to the Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation established in 1992, and has played a pivotal role in the growth of the program and it's services ever since. Recently he and his brother Ed donated the main house and coach house properties to the foundation.

Together with his brother, Bud is a benefactor of the Student Centre at the University of St. Michael's College, University of Toronto, and donor of the lead gift for the new Odette Faculty of Business Administration Building at the University of Windsor. Bud and Patricia were key supporters in funding the restoration and renovation of Clover Hill, an historic building at St. Michaels's built in 1856. The resulting project received a heritage commendation from Heritage Toronto.

Bud and Patricia's Toronto Sculpture garden, conceived and established 17 years ago at 115 King Street East, has become a showcase for the work of Canadian and international sculptors. The couple has donated more than 50 major sculptures to the Windsor Sculpture Garden, one of the largest in North America.

Bud and Patricia demonstrate their commitment to lifelong learning and opportunities through educational funds, bursaries and scholarships to attract the brightest and best minds to train and work in Ontario.