Our History
1952
The first Maple Leaf Ball was organised by the Canadian Women’s Club at the Savoy Hotel in May 1952. The ball continued to be an annual highlight in the London social calendar, with proceeds going to the Veterans’ Support Committee.
1986
The Maple Leaf Ball Trust was formed 12th March 1986 by five philanthropic London-based Canadian women:
Eileen Fiell, Gloria Smith, Lynne Lyon, Judith Hansen, and Sylvia Korican.
2006
The Maple Leaf Ball Trust was rebranded as the Maple Leaf Trust.
2009
The Maple Leaf Trust Emergency Fund was created to provide dispensation for Canadian veterans residing in the UK for unexpected and urgent financial issues.
2012
Replacing the annual Dinner & Auction evening, the Maple Leaf Trust reinstated the Maple Leaf Ball by celebrating its Diamond Jubilee at the Savoy in May 2012.
2017
In honour of the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation, the Maple Leaf Ball held its most successful ball at the Victoria & Albert Museum, raising more than £230,000 for its beneficiaries.
2021
In response to Covid-19, the Maple Leaf Trust established an emergency assistance programme with the High Commission to aid Canadians in the UK severely impacted by the pandemic.
2025
From an Illustrious Past Comes a Promising Future
After a long process, three distinguished Canadian charities operating in the UK have merged to form the new Maple Leaf Trust. For more than 70 years, Canadians in the UK and their British friends have supported causes focused on veterans’ welfare and educational opportunities for young Canadians.
To streamline operations and strengthen impact, several prominent organisations have now united under the Maple Leaf Trust, including legacy programmes from:
The Canadian Centennial Scholarship Fund
The Canada Memorial Foundation
The Canada-UK Foundation