Board of Directors
Laney Lui (she/her)
Chair
I was inspired to start The Local Charity after having gone through many trials in my own life. Having experienced abuse and being estranged from my father, (10+ years, though rebuilding now), I can relate to those who have experienced despair and hopelessness. The journey has taught me how to be strong, how to be independent, how to forgive, and how to love.
I had also experienced being a single mother, and the journey had been challenging, but it has given me perspective on what it takes to overcome rough patches in life, (though now I am happily re-married). I hope to contribute and inspire the folks I cross paths with towards living their best lives.
My parents have both exemplified qualities that contributed to my charity work. My mother modelled benevolence, and I’ve learned to be kind and grateful from her, (I also acquired her sense of humour). As an illegal immigrant, my father persevered through adversity and built an empire; I got my curiosity, strength, and entrepreneurial spirit from him.
For me, charity can be so impactful. The effort put in goes a long way in helping to improve lives. It’s often easy, usually inconvenient, but always necessary.
Beth Dunford (she/her)
Vice-Chair
I am honoured to join the Local Charity Board of Directors, because supporting youth from challenging backgrounds to become the best version of themselves, is something that I believe will benefit not only the individual, but the larger community as well. Success comes in a variety of forms that is achieved through a myriad of mechanisms including education, networking and mentorship. The Local Charity is one such mechanism with both a growing capacity and steadfast intention to see the best possible outcomes for those they hope to support.
I have worked in IT, government and healthcare in both the private and public sectors for over 14 years. I hold an MBA from Edinburgh Business School, with a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and Religion from the University of Toronto. I also hold a Project Management Professional (PMP) designation and certificates in change management from Prosci, and in workplace mental health leadership from Queen’s University.
Over the past several years, my focus has been on strategy, performance measurement and progress reporting. In my personal time, I have a young daughter and enjoy painting and fitness, and pre-COVID, I attended as much live theatre as possible.
Joseph Manner (he/him)
Secretary
I am excited to become a Board member of The Local Charity, an organization that looks to empower youth who, in particular, may be disadvantaged due to poverty, or other circumstances. I look forward to helping the organization grow through continuous improvement of its skills, education, coaching and resource offerings, and by delivering these to more clients, in collaboration with other organizations.
Currently, I am the sole Principal of JDManner Consulting: providing strategic planning, business process improvement, performance measurement, risk management, procurement, and policy development analysis and advice to clients.
I have been on the Board of the North York Harvest Food Bank, and the Toronto Ultimate Club. Most of my career has been with the LCBO and the Ontario Public Service (OPS). As Director of Store Network Planning and Analysis at the LCBO, I directed business and capital planning, and market research and location analysis activities, making recommendations regarding new stores, store location, store sizing, and the
development of new store formats. Previous to that I have held various procurement management, retail consulting, and policy development positions with the Ontario government.
I’m a CPA CMA, and have a BBA from the Schulich School of Business, York University. In 2019 I completed the Not for Profit Governance Essentials Certificate program with the Institute of Corporate Directors.
I’m married, have two daughters, and enjoy travelling, hiking, and ultimate frisbee.
Ben Chu (he/him)
Treasurer
Helena Likwornik (she/her)
General Director
