Hardy Family Foundation
The Hardy Family
When life is lived with an abundance mentality, doors open and opportunities come. Magic—yes, magic—can be made.
It’s with this vision that Roger and Jenny Hardy started the Hardy Family Foundation. After all, life’s simply too short to not go for it, and the foundation is their way to empower others to achieve great things.
The overall goal of the Hardy Family Foundation is to provide funds to make the biggest difference possible and give back to communities in Canada and around the globe. Jenny and Roger have a strong belief in equality, and are passionate about leaving the world a better place for their kids, which has motivated them to be highly involved in philanthropic work all their lives.
As a successful entrepreneur, Roger Hardy's professional career has been all but empowering consumers and making their lives easier. In 2000, Roger founded Coastal Contacts Inc., a startup that would quickly become the leading online retailer of eyewar. His involvement and sucess in the optial industry enabled him and Jenny to create Change the View, a vision charity that has donated more than one million pairs of glasses to people in need in countries around the world, like Kenya, El Salvador and India.
As a lifelong writer and student, Jenny Hardy has studied the human experience with fascination and curiosity. Her passions for equality, environment andgirls education have directed her attention to causes ranging from homelessness, to tree planting to creating a charity that provides vision care to those in need around the world.
The Hardy Family have been donors and participants in many charitable organizations, such as The Red Cross, BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver Food Bank, Vancouver Police Foundation, and Coast Mental Health Foundation. At Bishop’s University, Roger established the Hardy Endowment Fund to pay tuition for a student in need each year.
When Coastal Contacts Inc sold to Essilor in 2014, Roger and Jenny found themselves with the time and opportunity to do even more for their community and beyond. This is when the idea for the Hardy Family Foundation was born.
From children’s charities to health andwellness initiatives to higher education, the Hardy Family Foundation is committed to helping a variety of people and industries at the local, national, and global level. Jenny and Roger believe that the Hardy Family Foundation can provide the resources for many people to improve their lives and chase their dreams.
"We founded the Hardy Family Foundation with the hope of giving back to our family, community and our country by living with an abundance mentality." - Roger & Jenny
Change the View
In 2011, Jenny Hardy started a charity "Change the View" with support from her employer Coastal.com. The charity donates eyeglasses to people in need across the globe. To date, more than 1 million pairs of eyeglasses have been donated around the world.
Coast Mental Health Foundation - Courage To Come Back Awards
Roger and Jenny Hardy participated as both donors and panelists for Coast Mental Health Foundation's Courage to Come Back Awards, chaired by Lorne R. Segal, O.B.C., D.Litt. (Hon.)
Bishop's University - The Hardy Endowment Fund
Established to help pay the tuition for a student in need each year. "The scholarship was a way to help other students who may be a little tight on cash, like I was when I was in school, and trying to balance work and school life. If the scholarship helps them focus on school and complete their year that’s ideal." - Roger Hardy
Bishop's University - The Robson Rugby Fund
The fund provides funding for the men's rugby program through coaching, scholarships, and bursaries, travel, uniforms, and equipment.
Some of the charities Roger and Jenny have been fortunate enought to support.
Canuck Place Children's Hospice
Gift of Time Gala
BC Children's Hospital
The Crystal Ball
University of British Columbia
University Singers Trust
West Point Grey Academy Gala
Supporting education initiatives and expanded learning facilities
Vancouver Police Foundation
VPF Night Patrol Gala and Supporting VPD Cadets
Arts Umbrella
Arts Umbrella Splash Gala
2024