Kingston, March 9, 2022 – In its ongoing effort to generate additional funds to support the National Sail Training Centres and athletes pursuing their Olympic dreams, Sail Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Kimberly Holmes as Manager, Donor Programs.

Last year, Sail Canada launched the National Sail Training Centres. Programs delivered at the Atlantic, Central and Pacific Centres will allow High Performance Sailing in Canada to identify talent early and provide systematic coaching and training programs to help athletes progress along the Gold Medal Pathway to international success.

As the implementation of the National Sail Training Centres involves an extensive investment, the hiring of Kimberly Holmes will allow Sail Canada to generate revenue through major gifts and other fundraising efforts, steward donors and engage with prospects in their philanthropic ventures by leading the planning, development and execution of all donor programs.

Through her experience as a Development Officer and social enterprise Consultant, Kimberly Holmes has helped organizations develop fundraising and financial strategies for long-term sustainability, notably by creating strong partnership and business development strategies to advance the key aims of the organizations she has worked for.

Kimberly Holmes has a degree in History and Business Management at Aberdeen University, a Certificate in Project Management at the University of Toronto, a postgraduate certificate in Financial and in Sustainability Management, as well as a Master’s degree in Business and Human Rights Law. Her professional experience includes working with The University of Glasgow as Development Coordinator and for The Brooklyn Arts Project as a fundraiser.

“I’m happy to join Sail Canada as the Manager, Donor Programs”, said Kimberly Holmes. “This is an exciting time in the evolution of sailing within the country and I can’t wait to contribute to it based on my experience and my passion. I’m also looking forward to working with everyone in the Canadian sailing community to bring the support of our athletes to another level.”

“Sail Canada is working hard to make sure our Canadian athletes have all they need to train and perform at their best and raising revenue is essential to achieving our short- and long-term objectives,” said Sail Canada’s Chief Executive Officer, Don Adams. “The position of Manager, Donor Programs, and the experience Kimberly has will help us bring our fundraising efforts devoted to our Elite Athletes and high-performance sport to another level, and it will help take Sailing Philanthropy to a higher level. Welcome aboard Kimberly!”

Kimberly Holmes can be reached at kim@sailing.ca.

About Sail Canada

Established in 1931, Sail Canada is the national governing body for the sport of sailing in the country. Sail Canada is a leading international sailing nation, proud of its world class athletes, lifelong participants and inclusive culture. The organization and its members are committed to excellence by developing and training its leaders, athletes, sailors, instructors, coaches and officials. With the valued support from our partners, the Provincial Sailing Associations and our member clubs, schools, organizations and stakeholders, sailing is promoted in all its forms. By setting standards and delivering programs from home pond to podium for Canadians of all ages and abilities, from dinghies to keelboats, cruising to navigation, windsurfing to powerboating and accessible sailing, Sail Canada sets sail for all, sail to win and sail for life.

A sport in the Olympic program since the first Games in 1896, except in 1904, the pursuit of success in these Games is what fuels the focus of Sail Canada as Canadian athletes have so far achieved nine Olympic and five Paralympic medals.