When she was a girl, Dr. Vivienne Poy knew two things for sure: education is the key to success—and it’s the duty of the privileged to help others achieve their dreams.

She learned these values from her father, who embodied a family legacy of generosity by quietly investing time and resources to give young people opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have experienced.

Poy grew up to become the first Canadian senator of Asian ancestry, president of her own fashion design company, chancellor of the University of Toronto and founder of the Lee Tak Wai Foundation. She’s also a proud wife, mother and grandmother.

Throughout it all, Poy gave back. She began supporting Covenant House in 1987 when she saw how troubled youth were empowered with services and education. In 2009, she became a monthly donor. Recently, through her foundation, she pledged to support Covenant House’s work to prevent sex trafficking.

Education is the only leveller in society, the only way to lift yourself up. I want to do everything I can to help future generations succeed.