Our History

1952

The first Maple Leaf Ball was organised by the Canadian Women’s Club at the Savoy Hotel in May 1952. The ball continued to be an annual highlight in the London social calendar, with proceeds going to the Veterans’ Support Committee.

1986

The Maple Leaf Ball Trust was formed 12th March 1986 by five philanthropic London-based Canadian women:
Eileen Fiell, Gloria Smith, Lynne Lyon, Judith Hansen, and Sylvia Korican.

2006

The Maple Leaf Ball Trust was rebranded as the Maple Leaf Trust.

2009

The Maple Leaf Trust Emergency Fund was created to provide dispensation for Canadian veterans residing in the UK for unexpected and urgent financial issues.

2012

Replacing the annual Dinner & Auction evening, the Maple Leaf Trust reinstated the Maple Leaf Ball by celebrating its Diamond Jubilee at the Savoy in May 2012.

2017

In honour of the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation, the Maple Leaf Ball held its most successful ball at the Victoria & Albert Museum, raising more than £230,000 for its beneficiaries.

2021

In response to Covid-19, the Maple Leaf Trust established an emergency assistance programme with the High Commission to aid Canadians in the UK severely impacted by the pandemic.

2025

Watch this space!