“Paula has worked as a consultant to CCS’ Executive Leadership Team since 2017. During that time, the organization has gone through several significant transformations – consolidating with two other cancer charities and completely restructuring as a result of the pandemic. Paula has made many critical contributions to our success, including the evolution of the CCS brand from a collection of regional and event variations, to the cohesive and compelling "Life is Bigger than Cancer" platform. She has also been an important influence on our mass-market fundraising and digital portfolios; under her leadership, revenue grew by more than 60% to $32M annually including almost 225% growth for the online channel. She has been a true partner in every sense – consistently going above and beyond to help deliver our commitment to unite and inspire Canadians to take control of cancer.”
Andrea Seale – Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Cancer Society
“Paula Roberts has been a partner and advisor to me for more than a decade. I saw her tremendous strategic acumen first when she created the nationwide movement for Plan International’s Because I am a Girl initiative in 2009, engaging Canadians to reimagine the possibilities for girls around the world. In 2015 when I became the CEO of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, she was one of the first people I called to support our work including leading our signature property – the CIBC Run for the Cure. She was also a key member of the transition team as we undertook an unprecedented merger with the Canadian Cancer Society in 2017 and rebranded the organization to greater relevance with the ‘Life is Bigger than Cancer’ platform. During my time as CEO of Make-A-Wish Canada, she once again worked with me and my team to bring out the very best in us. She is a results oriented change agent who understands the power of team, and a leader whose insights and understanding of the NFP sector is transformative.”
Lynne Hudson – Former Chief Executive Officer, Make-A-Wish Canada
“Paula and I worked together at SickKids Foundation for four years as the organization reinvented itself with the goal of doubling annual revenues; based on that firsthand experience, I didn’t hesitate to recommend HALO, for projects at both the Children’s Aid Foundation and UNICEF Canada. In both instances, I found Paula and her team to be incredibly strategic in their thinking, digging deep to understand the complex issues that not-for-profits face today. They are results oriented and true partners, often working directly with key stakeholders including Board members, donors and beneficiaries. Their vast not-for-profit category experience means that they bring knowledge to the table that is both broad and deep. I can enthusiastically recommend them.”
Linton Carter – Chief Development Officer, UNICEF Canada
“HALO's contributions to the Children's Aid Foundation have been significant. Paula worked with me as a true partner on research, brand development and strategic initiatives. Quick to learn, responsive and always focused on results – her work will have an impact on our fundraising efforts and organizational culture for many years to come.”
Valerie McMurtry – President and CEO, Children's Aid Foundation
“There is no doubt that partnering with HALO was nothing short of a game changer for Osler. Our community is diverse and complex and they worked hard to unpack who we are and why people would or would not support our mandate. Their take is authentic, fresh and motivational to our volunteer leadership and donors. The resulting campaign speaks for itself and was an important factor in supporting the overachievement of our $100M campaign in 2021. I would recommend them without hesitation.”
Ken Mayhew – CEO, William Osler Foundation
“The HALO team is a joy to work alongside. Not only do Paula and Bill bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table but they took the time needed to get to know us as an organization. This extra effort resulted in a much better end result (brand strategy) and allowed us to feel wholly confident that they “got us” and that they understood on a deep level what we needed to have a successful end point. The insights, guidance, analysis and products we received from Halo were all spot on and this was because Paula and Bill are extraordinarily committed to their clients and so very good at what they do.”
Mara O’Brien – Former Vice President, People, Culture and Brand, CARE Canada
“JA Central Ontario contracted the services of HALO to assist in uncovering the ‘gold nuggets’ hidden in our brand and to translate these into meaningful revenue opportunities. The process has been executed with great professionalism, thorough communication with stakeholders, including our Board, volunteers and Leadership team, and with an uncanny level of sheer brilliance. All along, they have made us feel like we were their only client, always listening, always seeking to understand. It has been a pleasure working with them.”
Jane Eisbrenner – Former President & CEO, JA Central Ontario
“Hockey Canada Foundation worked with the HALO team on a wide range of subjects from our fundraising model to human resources. They consistently went above and beyond as a true partner, working directly with our Executive Team and the Foundation Board of Directors to support our vision for the future. Their end-to-end understanding of the not-for-profit sector has set us up for even greater impact today and helped us see the potential for what we can be moving forward. In particular, their contributions to our Case for Support, “We Play Hockey for Life” showcase HALO's ability to put forth ideas that can reach and speak to whole communities and generations. Their expertise, motivation and commitment to their clients inspires everyone to get on board and rally behind the mission.”
Donna Iampieri – Executive Director, Hockey Canada Foundation
“The professionalism and expertise of HALO has helped our team think more strategically and practically about our corporate giving and sponsorship activities. I am truly impressed with their creativity, thoroughness and commitment to driving results. They consistently exceed our expectations.”
Amanda Mitchell – Brand Lead, Minto Group
“Plan Canada was fortunate to count Paula as a member of the Executive Team for many years through a period of extensive growth in revenue, relevance and credibility. Working with her now in her new role as the principal of HALO Brand Leadership has been a delight. She has the trust of our Board and has worked with us and the larger Plan Canada team as a facilitator, brand expert and strategic thinker. I have great regard for her as an industry leader who truly cares about the organizations that she works with.”
Karen Jackson – Former Chair of the Board, Plan Canada