Our Team
At Socks 4 Souls Canada we believe that good governance is the cornerstone of any good charity. Our directors serve as the stewards of the Socks 4 Souls Canada vision.
With their guidance and the generous support of our partners and sponsors, we’re able to allocate the majority of funds raised to the purchase of socks for our unhoused communities. We collect physical socks, not just money, through school, community, and work-based sock drives.
Christine Tang (MSc, MD, FRCSC)
Chair/CofounderDr. Tang is a Royal College certified Plastic Surgeon. She has a fellowship in breast and oncologic (cancer) reconstructive surgery. She has practised at William Osler Health Centre, Etobicoke General Hospital since 1998.
Her practice includes cosmetic surgery, breast surgery, skin cancer surgery, hand surgery and general plastic surgery.
She understands the impact of frostbite and of poor foot hygiene, having seen a great deal of each. She believes many foot issues suffered by the homeless can be helped by clean socks.
“I feel blessed in my career and life to have safety, comfort, health and warmth and I want the same for everyone.”
Elizabeth (Liz) Howey
TreasurerAs a Chartered Accountant with a CPA, CA designation, Liz brings extensive experience in private, corporate and non-profit sectors. Following roles at KPMG and Canadian Tire, Liz was the CFO at MVS Solutions Inc., an international software company, for 20 years. In addition to her corporate experience, Liz has spent the past 5 years volunteering as the accountant and Treasurer for York Minster Park Meals on Wheels.
Liz attended her first sock-sorting event in 2018 and was humbled by the dedication and passion of the volunteers of Socks 4 Souls Canada. Like so many, she was unaware of the desperate need of socks by the homeless in our communities.
“I am delighted to join the team to help raise awareness of the benefits of providing socks to those that live on the margins of society. “
Janet de Guzman
SecretaryJanet is the Senior Director, Global Industry Marketing at OpenText, one of Canada’s largest software companies. She leads a team of industry strategists each with a speciality in an industry sector. Janet has 20+ years’ experience in the Information Management space, including time as a management consultant, as well as instructor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Information Studies. She is passionate about helping organizations build strong information governance programs in the digital world.
“My family and I feel very grateful for the many blessings we have in our lives and wish to give back to the community and country that have been so good to us.”
Richard Fitzgerald
Past Chair/CofounderRichard is a business executive and philanthropist, driven by a life-long commitment to help the greater good.
A native of Montreal, educated at Concordia and McGill Universities, an experienced business executive both in Canada and internationally, primarily in consumer-packaged goods, with such organizations as Diageo, Guinness and Phillip Morris.
With focus on sustainable growth and market leadership, Richard has successfully led operating companies, acquisitions and corporate integration for several decades.
Driven by a core belief in the importance of giving back to communities and helping people less fortunate., Richard has been actively engaged in charitable organizations such as the United Way, Canadian Special Olympics, and the Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra for decades. He enjoys building and working with people and teams of volunteers who are determined to make a positive difference.
“I am proud to be one of the founders of Socks 4 Souls Canada – and excited to see how much has been accomplished since we launched in 2015 – enabled by the generous support of volunteers and donors from across Ontario.”
Mitch Fairrais
Director/CofounderMitch is the President and Founder of On The Mark, The Learning Experience Company Inc. He is an expert in leadership development, team performance, conflict resolution and human effectiveness. He helps businesses create high performance environments where innovation can thrive.
For more than 30 years, he has worked globally helping organizations create environments that increase accountability, productivity, and personal fulfilment. He works at all levels within organizations, from Presidents and CEOs to those on the front lines.
“It’s been amazing to witness the evolution of Socks 4 Souls Canada from our beginning, only a few short years ago. We recognized a problem that was solvable, and we saw an opportunity to do something about it. To see our simple vision come to life through the involvement & generosity of so many volunteers, donors, and those working directly with the homeless community has been incredible!”
Sylvia Marcos, BSc (Hons), MD, DABIM, FRCP(C)
Director/CofounderDr. Marcos is a Canadian born, American trained physician. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at SUNY Downstate in New York, NY, and held the position of Chief Medical Resident.
A daughter of Portuguese immigrants, Dr. Marcos has returned to Toronto to practice medicine in a local hospital, working primarily in the Emergency Department.
While in medical school, she was a founding member of the Salybia Mission Project, a non-profit organization charged with supplying medical supplies and care to the last remaining Indigenous community in the Caribbean that resides in Dominica.
“Socks 4 Souls Canada is an example of how a small group of people can come up with a simple idea, action it by harnessing the good will of the community and have a tangible impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness.”
Aaron Farrell
Founding Director (On Sabbatical)Aaron has devoted his life to improving the lives of under privileged people. He has 21 years of experience in world missions, leading teams to build homes and schools in Mexico, and supporting various clinics and orphanages in Africa. His passion is shared by his wife and two great sons.
Richard Lane
DirectorRichard is a senior marketer with 20+ years of experience working with leading agencies and global brands. Richard is the Marketing Director for Bond Brand Loyalty, a Toronto based global loyalty and customer experience firm.
Dyanne Ostrander
DirectorDyanne has over 27 years of strategic fundraising experience in the healthcare sector, credited with orchestrating and leading new fundraising strategies. An expert in Gift Planning and Major Gifts with a proven track record of success.
Dyanne was selected as faculty, Banff Centre for Management to co-write and teach Gift Planning for Canadians. Most recently Dyanne was the Director Of Development at Etobicoke General Hospital.
“Wherever there is a human in need, there is an opportunity for kindness and Socks4Souls Canada is doing just that- very proud to be part of the team.“
Jean “Jay” Turnbull
DirectorJay is an experienced financial service professional with 25+ years of delivering leading-edge anti-fraud solutions. Career highlights include Managing Director at PWC for the Financial Crime Advisory team, serving as Bank Vice President for the Strategy, Solutions and Innovation Financial Crime Group at TD, and ten years at Mastercard Worldwide in various leadership roles.
Her desire to make the world a little better has led her to participate in the urban water supply project in Cambodia and volunteer in Costa Rica to help conserve Olive Ridley Sea turtles.
“Individuals often become homeless due to circumstances out of their control, such as lack of affordable housing, job loss, discrimination, and mental and physical challenges. Sock 4 Souls Canada outreach is a simple way to impact so many homeless lives positively and I am honoured to be a member of the Board of Directors.”