Leslie and Gordon Diamond were awarded the Freedom of the City award on December 12, 2023.
Leslie Diamond
Remarkable dedication to community enhancement and philanthropic endeavours
Leslie Diamond, through the Diamond Foundation, has been instrumental in driving initiatives that support affordable housing, social services, seniors' services, community development, education, and healthcare.
Her profound contributions to healthcare, with a special focus on substance use and women's health, exemplify her commitment to the well-being of citizens. Donations include a transformative $20 million contribution to St. Paul’s Foundation's 'Road to Recovery' program, significantly impacting the community's battle against substance use disorders.
A champion for the arts, Leslie Diamond has helped countless underprivileged youth to access and enjoy the cultural fabric of our city. Her substantial support for the new Vancouver Art Gallery stands as a testament to her vision for arts accessibility and patronage.
Recipient of the prestigious Order of British Columbia, Leslie Diamond's lifelong dedication and extraordinary contributions have greatly enriched the lives of Vancouverites.
Gordon Diamond
As a founder of the Diamond Foundation in 1984, Gordon Diamond has been a pillar in the community, fostering advancements in affordable housing, social and seniors' services, community revitalization, education, and healthcare.
Gordon Diamond’s philanthropic vision, particularly in healthcare, has catalyzed critical initiatives addressing health and substance use, highlighted by landmark donations of $20 million each to Vancouver General Hospital’s Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre and to St. Paul’s Foundation's 'Road to Recovery' substance use disorder initiative.
His unwavering support for the arts and culture sector of the city, ensuring that the arts are accessible to all, particularly the youth, has enriched the cultural landscape of Vancouver. His notable contribution to the forthcoming Vancouver Art Gallery is a clear indication of his commitment to the arts.
An Officer of the Order of Canada and a recipient of the Order of British Columbia, Gordon Diamond’s extraordinary contributions as a dedicated Vancouverite have left an indelible mark on the city's history and future.