Donor Profile: Ed Ho & Daniella Dimitrov

How long have you been Soulpepper donors?

We became Curtain Club members in 2014 and this past year we became Heart & Soul supporters. We have been attending shows since their inception almost 20 years ago.

What inspired you to support us? What has inspired you to continue your support? 

It’s distressing that there is not enough organic support from ticket sales to support the annual budget of most theatre companies in Canada.  That said, Soulpepper has brought together a phenomenal team led by Albert to inspire and create a culture like none other. Once you get to meet anyone from the Academy to the Executive, it is obvious how passionate and committed the team really is to every facet of their engagement with community, teaching and the productions. We want more and somebody has to bear the cost.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about giving to Soulpepper? And, why do you think the arts should be a priority for philanthropy?

Sit down and chat with anyone from Soulpepper and you will feel the infectious passion.  Come out and see a couple of productions and you will see a cutting edge vision for both modern and contemporary shows.  We now feel like we are a part of a collective of really great people with a common goal.  You feel it from the moment that you walk in the building. Our lives are much richer because of it.

How do you imagine Soulpepper in 10 years?

It’s hard to imagine how much more could be achieved.  Even if they were to stop today, Soulpepper has clearly been a tremendous success.  It would be great to create similar programs in communities across Canada, but we’re happy to be part of this Toronto gem.