At Home and Abroad

Robert Kearns is the Founder of Canada Ireland Foundation, which created Ireland Park and Grasett Park in Toronto, and is now in the midst of developing The Corleck, a new arts, culture and heritage hub set to open on Toronto's waterfront in 2026. Since then, Robert has been continuously involved in the Irish community in Canada, making significant contributions to a number of Irish organizations. He was involved with the Ireland Fund of Canada from 1980 to 2004, serving as its Chair from 1989 to 1992. He was a Director of the America Ireland Fund and is also a Founding Director of the Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce. Robert has served as Chair of the Campaign for Celtic Studies at St. Michael's College at the University of Toronto and, in 2009, was conferred with an Honorary Fellowship for his service to the university. Robert also served for nine years as a member of the Board of Governors of Roy Thomson Hall and Massey Hall. He currently serves on the Boards of the NATO Association of Canada. For his service to the Irish community, in 2016 Robert received the Irish Presidential Distinguished Service Award. Robert was also honoured to receive the 2021 Governor General’s Ontario Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement.