"Throughout his lifetime, and since I was
a small boy, my father would speak sternly
about the fact that any financial wealth we earned was not our personal possession to spend at will. Instead, it was a responsibility
of which we were the stewards; the money
was not some gift of personal pleasure, but instead was a duty to spend well and to make
a difference in the world.

I must admit that until CEDAR began its international work, I did not fully understand what he meant.

But today, I am overwhelmed by the wisdom
of his counsel and by my profound experience of learning that "spending the money well"
is in fact, the greatest privilege one can have
in life. To know that our effort, commitment and funds can provide life-transforming education

to literally thousands of wonderful, strong, young people in challenging parts of the world, is to know true happiness... more than any
amount of money can buy!"

- Bob Bentall, Chairman,
CEDAR Foundation: International

In 1988, Bob and Lynda Bentall decided to place most of their personal wealth into a charitable structure that would afford them the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

Focussing primarily on the provision of quality education to disadvantaged
children and youth, in 1990, the Bentalls designed and managed the Ailanthus
Achievement Centre in Vancouver, Canada. This innovative approach to private
sector involvement in serious social issues provided at-risk youth with intensive
physical, character and academic intervention as a means of changing their paths
from the direction of school dropout, drug dependency and/or crime towards
college or university graduation.

In 2004, the Bentalls made the difficult decision to end this service and redirect
funds and efforts towards international endeavours that would benefit children.
Today, the excitement generated from these new ventures has confirmed the
validity and wisdom of that decision.

CEDAR Foundation: International's long-term plan is to provide life-transforming educational opportunities to thousands of children in Africa, México and America.

At current funding levels of approximately CDN $4 million per year, CEDAR Foundation: International will continue its work through 2022.

With careful analysis and budgeting, as well as astute investing, all of the Foundation's goals will be achievable and it will have left its small mark on the planet.