Donor spotlight: Ellen Waxman – From a commitment to inclusion to a lifetime Para sport fan

As the Paralympic Foundation of Canada (PFC) marks a decade of supporting Para athletes and advancing the Canadian Paralympic Movement, one of its most loyal champions comes not from the world of sport, but from policy leadership.

Ellen Waxman, a longtime advocate for disability rights, was first introduced to Para sport through her work, and it ignited a passion that continues to drive her commitment today.

Waxman, a former Ontario government official with a 26-year career in disability policy, was first introduced to the Paralympic Movement in 2011 while attending the Parapan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. At the time, she had no personal connection to sport.

“I didn’t play, I didn’t watch, and I didn’t really care,” she admits with a laugh. “But the minute I saw Para sport in action, I was hooked.” 

It wasn’t just the incredible athleticism that moved her, it was the transformative potential of inclusion on and off the field of play.  

“What struck me most was how Paralympic sport changes perceptions,” she said. “Not just for the athletes themselves, but for everyone watching. It shifts the conversation around disability and ability in such a profound way.” 

That experience set her on a path that would lead to over a decade of volunteer leadership. 

She joined the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) board in 2013 and was part of the founding group that established the Paralympic Foundation of Canada the following year. She served as PFC’s first vice-chair, helping to lay the groundwork for what would become a national movement. 

Waxman didn’t just help build PFC, she backed it with action. She’s been donating since day one, and even before the organization formally existed. 

“Giving has always been a value of mine,” she shared. “If something speaks to your passion and you have the means to support it… whether that’s a little or a lot, you should. And for me, Para sport does exactly that.” 

Her commitment goes beyond dollars. She has been part of multiple Games, including the London 2012, Rio 2016, and PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Games and the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games.  

As part of CPC’s corporate hosting teams, she’s seen firsthand how donors, sponsors, and supporters interact with the movement, and how life-changing that interaction can be. 

Her two most memorable moments over the past 12 years were cheering on Para alpine skiier Josh Dueck in Sochi and wheelchair racer Michelle Stilwell in Rio as they won their gold medals. 

“It’s been a huge honour for me to be able to make my contribution to promoting Paralympic sport in Canada.”  

One initiative that stands out for her is ParaTough Cup, PFC’s signature fundraising event. 

“It’s absolutely brilliant,” she said. “It brings companies and communities together to play side-by-side with Para athletes. It’s a fundraiser, yes, but it’s also an educational opportunity. People leave changed. They leave inspired.” 

Over the past 10 years, Waxman has watched PFC evolve from a passionate idea to a national driver of progress. And while the growth is impressive, what matters most to her is the impact her gift has had on Para athletes nationwide. 

“For me, the most powerful impact is in programs like NextGen, supporting athletes who aren’t yet at the top but are on the path,” she said. “Helping them reach their potential is where real transformation happens. It’s not just about podiums. It’s about opportunity.” 

As someone who helped shape PFC’s early days, Waxman remains passionate about encouraging others to give, in whatever way they can. 

“To anyone thinking about donating, I’d say this: be the change you want to see. Your gift, no matter the size, becomes part of a larger movement. Every dollar matters. Every donor adds strength to the collective. You don’t have to be wealthy to make a difference — just willing.  

“It’s not just about the amount you give — it’s about athletes knowing they have a strong community behind them, full of people who believe in and support them.” 

Building a more inclusive sport system takes a team, and Ellen Waxman is one of the champions helping to lead the way.

As the Paralympic Foundation of Canada celebrates its 10-year anniversary, Ellen’s story is a testament to the transformative power of philanthropy in sport. Through the unwavering support of donors, Canada’s Paralympians continue to break barriers, redefine possibilities, and inspire the next generation of athletes.

Donate today. Help IGNITE the future of Para sport.