2017 Aurora Honouree
Robin Taylor-Smith is one of the principals of PromotionalMarketing.ca (c/o The Partnership Network Inc.) located in Aurora, a family owned and operated business for over thirty years.
Robin loves people. She loves meeting them, talking to them, and helping wherever she is able.
Over the years, Robin and her family have been very active canvassing for the Canadian Cancer Society and Heart & Stroke, and participating in fundraising events like the Big Bike for Heart. These have been particularly meaningful causes since Robin sadly lost her first husband at the age of twenty-eight due to a heart attack, and then her brother to cancer.
Robin also believes it’s important to support community organizations. She herself has found much gratification and joy doing just that with the Optimist Club of Aurora, Southlake Hospital Foundation, Aurora Chamber of Commerce, and other local initiatives like Belinda’s Place.
Early on, Robin volunteered to teach art with her mom. Now, representing the Optimist Club of Aurora, she judges the youth artwork at the Annual Society of York Region Artist (SOYRA) show. Each year she is very impressed with the quality of the work entered in the Youth category. Her highlight is joining the Mayor in presenting the winners with their awards and seeing the delight on their faces. As the youth tap into their potential, they benefit from improved self-esteem and are encouraged to develop their skills further.
Robin’s parents have always exhibited selfless caring and compassion, setting a stirring example for her. When she can, Robin often involves her own daughter as well, and now sees her willingness to help developing naturally.
For the wonderful people she has met, the lifelong friendships that have developed, and the chance to be part of some great events, Robin feels incredibly privileged—such are the unanticipated rewards of simply getting out there and doing your part.
Robin’s philosophy for giving back is “Life is short. Do what you can, while you can. And there is no excuse to be bored!” There are so many ways to help. Accordingly, she suggests a great first step to getting involved can be simply joining a community group or an event committee. You can do as little or as much as you want. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Everything is appreciated. As you become more comfortable, you can expand your horizon—and she’s sure you’ll enjoy doing so.
In the future, Robin wants to be more involved with the plight of youth homelessness, and programs like CHATS that offer support to families in need.