Supporter spotlight: Janice O’Born on giving with personal purpose

When Janice O’Born talks about philanthropy, she means impact you can see — and lives that are transformed within our lifetimes.

A long-time supporter of Windmill Microlending, Janice served as our campaign event chair and sponsor of Windmill’s Potential to Prosperity Toronto launch event on October 16.

“Coming to Canada as an immigrant myself,” she shared. “I have a deep appreciation for the courage and resilience of newcomers.”

Witnessing Windmill’s 20 years of impact

Janice’s connection with Windmill began through a conversation with CEO Claudia Hepburn, whose passion and advocacy inspired Janice and her husband, Earle, to get involved.

“Claudia is the best advocate you could imagine,” said Janice. “She talks about the real impact, how clients graduate, find meaningful work, repay their loans and then help the next cohort of newcomers.”

Integrity guides every aspect of Janice’s giving philosophy. “Whenever our family donates, I get involved,” she said. “After researching Windmill and speaking with other supporters, I knew their mission was something I wanted to be part of — not just as a donor, but as a partner.”

Janice’s deep empathy for newcomers’ journeys aligns closely with Windmill’s mission. She has personally witnessed stories that echo Windmill’s purpose — from a Ukrainian newcomer rebuilding after a war injury to a taxi driver from Afghanistan striving to bring his sister, still living under Taliban rule, to safety in Canada.

“These conversations remind me of the potential waiting to be unleashed,” she said. “As Canadians, it is our responsibility to empower that potential.”

Flipping the narrative

Janice, the chair of The Printing House (TPH) Charitable Office, sees herself as more of a humanitarian than a ‘traditional’ philanthropist: “I am concerned about the well-being of others,” she explained. “Helping people unleash their potential – that is what matters.”  

As such, she believes humanitarianism is about sparking meaningful conversations that lead to real change, the kind that shift perspectives and inspires people to act.

“Windmill flips the narrative,” continued Janice. “When internationally trained professionals requalify, they contribute – they pay taxes, support their families and strengthen Canada’s economy. They are not a drain; they are a gift.”