In 2001, Jim and Heidi Balsillie graciously donated $5 million to the One Voice, One Vision campaign. This fundraising campaign raised more than $44 million for our local hospitals for major redevelopment projects, including the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre. The Balsillie’s donation was the largest gift ever made to health care in this region and is an outstanding example of leadership and commitment to helping people in the community.
In honour of their tremendous generosity, the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre building was named “The Balsillie Family Building” and opened its doors in September 2003.
Jim Balsillie is the chairman and co-chief executive officer of Research in Motion Limited (RIM). RIM is best known for its Blackberry handheld device. Jim and Heidi live in Waterloo, Ontario with their two children.