All of us would contribute to a better community if we could, says Hall of Famer Stronach

November 6, 2013 · 0 Comments

By Jeff Doner

When it comes to sports in this community, Frank Stronach’s name definitely comes to the minds of many in terms of financial support for clubs, parks, facilities, equipment and more.

He might be best known for his contributions to the establishment of the Aurora Family Leisure Complex and the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex, which bears his name.

This year, Stronach will be inducted into the Sport Aurora Hall of Fame in the builder category for his contributions.

“I’m honoured to be inducted into the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame as a builder,” said Mr. Stronach via email. “I feel blessed that I have been able to give back to the community where my family lives. I think that all of us, if we had the opportunity, would try to make a contribution to build a better community.”

Stronach is not only a long-time resident of Aurora and founder and former chairman of Magna International Inc., but he is also an avid sports fan, who played semi-pro soccer in Europe and is an avid skier and tennis player.

One of his biggest contributions to sport, not only in Aurora, but across York Region, has been the annual Hoedown.

It’s one of York Region’s largest charity functions, bringing together thousands of people and their respective organizations each year.

For over 25 years, the Hoedown has raised more than $7 million with proceeds going to a variety of sports programs, clubs and other organizations stretched over York Region.

The community sports organizations that have benefitted from Hoedown funding range from the Aurora Minor Hockey Association, Aurora Minor Ball Association and Aurora Youth Soccer Club to the Aurora Skating Club, Aurora Storm Volleyball Club and the Central York Girls Hockey Association. Much of the funding raised for these organizations was used to help children with special needs and children from disadvantaged homes.

“One of the great features about the Fair Enterprise profit-sharing formula I created at Magna is that a percentage of the profits goes back to society in the form of financial assistance,” said Mr. Stronach. “That assistance is used to support everything from hospitals and charities to sports and recreation.

“Over the years at Magna, we always directed charitable funding to organizations and causes in the communities where our employees live and work, because we couldn’t have achieved financial success without their hard work and ingenuity.”

Stronach, along with his peers, will be inducted into the Sport Aurora Hall of Fame at a special awards dinner this Wednesday, November 6, at The Mansion (DiNardo’s).