Philanthropy became Maggie’s focus on the death of her husband in 2002 and in 2004, The Bras Family Foundation was formed. “Our foundation lends me the freedom to establish a mission statement which reflects the areas of my interest outside of the BRAS Drug Development Program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto. While cancer research is very much my passion, establishing the foundation enables me to do more in the areas of cancer and in the arts and abused women and children.”

“I jumped into the philanthropy arena with the formation in 2001 of The Robert & Maggie Bras and Family New Drug Development Program, now the BRAS Drug Development Program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. My husband Robert and my and our families involvement in raising funds for this program, ensures the success with which it is operated. The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation plays a leadership role. The program offers ground-breaking clinical trials, and is now considered one of the top drug development programs in the world.”

Paul Ivany is a minister within the United Church of Canada, having retired after 30+ years of ministry at Norval United Church, a dynamic, thriving congregation northwest of Toronto.  Paul has a passion for people – hearing their story, challenging them to grow, motivating them to give and serve. Raised by Salvation Army officer parents, Paul has always lived in an environment of care and compassion for others.  He has extensive experience in the administration of social service programs for Provincial Offenders, Young Offenders, Federal Parolees, and individuals enduring gender-based violence.

Paul’s participation in The Bras Family Foundation allows him the opportunity to broaden his commitment of service to others.

Paul was welcomed as a board member on March 30, 2005.

Leah Lambrakis Bras is the daughter-in-law of Maggie Bras, a wife and mother. Leah received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Animal Science and Animal Nutrition from the University of Guelph, Canada. Leah’s career in animal nutrition began in 1998 and today she holds the position of Vice President of Research & Development, Nutrition and Scientific Affairs for Simmons Pet Food and Simmons Animal Nutrition. Leah has a life-long passion for nutrition, health and wellness, new & innovative advances on how to feed our pets better, and consumer insights for pets and pet parents.

Leah strongly believes in philanthropy and is actively involved in volunteer work in her community. Along with her husband Jamie, they support and volunteer for many hospital, cancer and children’s programs and charities. Her ongoing desire to help and her drive to ‘be part of the solution’, make her a great addition to the board.

In addition to her work and dedication to the Bras Family Foundation, Leah also enjoys immersing herself in industry with her involvement with the Pet Food Institute’s (PFI) Nutrition Subcommittee as Vice-Chair, she is a Board of Trustee with the Morris Animal Foundation, and most recently has joined the Pet Food Association of Canada’s Board of Directors.

The director’s welcomed Leah June 17, 2010.

Savannah Snyder is the eldest granddaughter of Maggie Bras. She recently graduated from Queen’s University Faculty of Law and is completing her articles at a plaintiff-side catastrophic personal injury firm. Savannah’s work and volunteer experiences are centered around advocacy and supporting vulnerable individuals including past involvement in research on the legal rights of abused women and working at Queen’s Legal Aid. Savannah continues to volunteer with Crohn’s and Colitis initiatives.

Having lost loved ones to cancer, Savannah has a profound commitment to assisting those affected and living with cancer. She has wholeheartedly embraced The Bras Family Foundation’s Mission Statement and its philanthropic goals.
Savannah’s role in The Bras Family Foundation allows her to continue serving others and to bring a fresh, youthful perspective to philanthropy. The directors welcomed her to the foundation in October 2017.

Darien is the granddaughter of Maggie Bras and graduated from Carleton University in the winter of 2020. She completed her postgraduate degree at Humber College in Marketing Management in the spring of 2021 and is now currently working in marketing at a large grocery retailer.

Darien has always had a strong passion for supporting youth and is also dedicated to supporting individuals battling cancer, a cause that is deeply personal to her due to a family loss to this disease.

Darien has embraced her role in The Bras Family Foundation and will continue to support the foundation’s mission statement and its focus. Keeping her family close is extremely important to Darien, and what better way to do so then to work with them as a member of the board. Darien was accepted as a board member on October 16, 2020.