Roland Vishnu & Family Charity Fund

Roland Vishnu & Family Charity Fund

By Jacqueline Fraser, Roland’s daughter

One of Christianity’s core beliefs is the virtue of “paying it forward” - a selfless life choice with no strings attached - living in the light and path of God with the continuous effort of making life better for others, especially those less fortunate than you. No matter your financial situation, there’s always something you can do to ease someone else’s suffering or situation. That’s how charity should be. It’s not only about what you can give but what you are willing to give.

Being of service to others and practising philanthropy have aways been Roland Vishnu’s guiding principles and fundamental beliefs throughout his life. Born in 1930 in Singapore, Roland survived the Japanese Occupation of Singapore during World War II. Roland worked for the Government of Singapore as an Education Officer in their primary and secondary education system until his retirement in 1985.

In August 1989, Roland immigrated to Canada to join his immediate family members in London, Ontario, where he has resided until now. He integrated into Canada’s mosaic, living life as a retiree, and got busy with his passions like cycling, gardening, playing badminton, volunteering at his church, and nurturing his six grandchildren. When Roland turned 90 in 2020, he began thinking about his legacy and what philanthropic gifts he could establish to help those in financial need, or his favourite charities now and in perpetuity.

In January 2022, Roland established a donor-advised fund, Roland Vishnu & Family Charity Fund. Roland and/or his designated fund successors will select, on a yearly basis, the local, national, or global charities to support. Furthermore, Roland has designated in his Will, a sum of money to augment this fund, as flow-through funds, to generate interest and support one-time/special projects, grassroots community projects, or individuals with urgent needs.

With this fund, Roland now feels secure in the knowledge that charities he has been regularly contributing towards throughout his lifetime will continue to receive the support they need to help fulfil their respective missions.