GIVING BACK

PAUL WALDIE

June 23, 2007

The Donors:

Tom and Gail Kaneb

The Donation: 20 per cent of annual income plus loan guarantees

The Cause: Farming in developing countries

The Reason: To provide micro loans to growers

For years, Tom and Gail Kaneb wrote cheques to their favourite charities. They enjoyed contributing but longed to do something more.

"When we were just writing out cheques something was missing," said Mr. Kaneb, 56, a partner at Miralta Capital, a Montreal-based venture capital firm. "What it was, was the active involvement."

About a year ago, the couple went on a trip to Guatemala and discovered how fuel-efficient stoves costing just $90 could change the lives of rural villagers.

"They just needed this little bit of help to make a difference in their lives," said Ms. Kaneb, 55, who runs a consulting business.

After the trip, the Kanebs attended a philanthropy conference in New York and met William Foote who heads Root Capital, a Cambridge, Mass., organization that specializes in micro lending in rural areas. They were immediately taken by Mr. Foote's efforts and made a three-year financial commitment.

They also pledged funds for a loan guarantee and helped attract other potential donors. Root Capital's loans help farmers get from crop to crop and use traditional growing methods, Mr. Kaneb explained.

The Kanebs, who live in Cornwall, Ont., spend about one day a week on charitable activities. They also donated more than $100,000 to a local hospital and helped it raise $12-million.

pwaldie@globeandmail.com