From words to action

Dominic D’Alessandro knows firsthand what it’s like to grow up in poverty and how essential having access to education and opportunities has been to his success. 

“I've been poor. I understand that it's not a choice that people make,” says Dominic, former President and CEO of Manulife Financial. “Education was everything for me. It was what allowed me to make the most of my life.” 

His mother struggled to provide for four children after his father died in a workplace accident not long after the family arrived in Montreal from Italy. But when someone needed help, she always gave what she could. 

“We didn't have much, but we were raised to be compassionate of others and help if we could,” he says. 

After excelling in school, Dominic was pleased to find a similar view of giving while working at RBC and Manulife and joined their United Way workplace giving campaigns. Shortly after moving to Toronto, Dominic served as the 1998 Community Campaign Chair and had the opportunity to visit several United Way agencies, which gave him a deeper understanding of the needs in the community and how they’re being met. Later, Dominic and his wife, Pearl, also inspired others to give by matching $1 million in donations.  

Dominic and Pearl appreciated United Way’s expertise, so they continue their support for United Way through the Dominic and Pearl Educational Attainment Fund, ensuring youth can access the education and supports they need to thrive.  

“This is a community that’s rewarded me immensely,” Dominic says. "I talked about the importance of meeting community needs and giving back all those years when I was climbing the corporate ladder and trying to achieve financial security — and now, I try to put those words into action.”