NAC Foundation
Arnie Vered always found joy in helping others and giving back to his community and he left behind a legacy of compassion and selflessness that inspired all who knew him.
Born into a family deeply rooted in charity and community service, Arnie learned from an early age the importance of lending a helping hand to those in need. His parents, Zeev and Sara Vered, instilled in him values of kindness and generosity that would shape his life's work.
After earning a degree in civil engineering from Carleton University, Arnie joined his family's business, Arnon Corporation, and became a prominent figure in both the business world and the Jewish community. But it was his altruism that truly set him apart.
Throughout his life, Arnie dedicated himself to numerous charitable causes, serving on various boards and committees, including the National Arts Centre Foundation Board.
In 2016, two years following Arnie’s passing, the National Arts Centre Foundation established the Arnie Vered Award for Voluntarism to honour his memory and his spirit of giving. Each year, the award recognizes a member of the NAC’s volunteer community whose contributions reflect Arnie's legacy of selfless dedication and enhance the NAC's impact.
This year, the Foundation honoured NAC Foundation Board Director Robert Tennant with the award. His leadership, generosity, and passion for the performing arts made him a standout candidate.
Volunteerism has played an important role throughout the NAC's history and volunteers continue to make significant contributions by serving on our boards, welcoming guests, facilitating events, and supporting staff with their tireless efforts and infectious enthusiasm.
Under the guidance of Karalee Compeau, the Volunteer and Visitor Experience Coordinator, the NAC’s volunteer program has flourished, attracting individuals from all walks of life who share a common love for the arts and a desire to make a difference. With nearly 130 volunteers on the team and plans to expand the program to include a youth volunteer initiative, the future of volunteerism at the NAC looks brighter than ever.
Karalee shares, “Our volunteers at the NAC are the pulse of our community. Their passion for the arts and care for our visitors is what makes our program so special. I, for one, deeply value their contributions to creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all who come here.”
As the years pass and new volunteers join the ranks, Arnie Vered's legacy continues to inspire and uplift the NAC community. His spirit lives on through the Arnie Vered Award for Voluntarism and in the hearts of those who strive to follow in his footsteps, making the world a better place, one act of service at a time.
