The JOTEL Family Fund was established in 2009 to provide annual support to two of the Foundation’s Quality of Life fields of interest: family and community, and environment. The name JOTEL represents the names of the five members of the immediate family of Joanne Hamlin and Tom Kishchuk: Joanne, Oksana, Tom, Evan, and Lars.
Joanne was born in Invernay, Saskatchewan and grew up on her family farm near Buchanan, Saskatchewan. She earned a Diploma in Nursing from Saskatchewan Polytechnic in 1987 and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Saskatchewan in 1993. Tom was born and raised in Saskatoon and completed high school at Walter Murray Collegiate Institute. He then earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1989, both from the University of Saskatchewan. Oksana, Lars and Evan were born in Saskatoon and attended school here.
Joanne, when she reflects on her philanthropy, often thinks of the words of Anne Frank, “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”
Oksana believes that in order for us to improve the living conditions for family and community it is necessary to improve our environment. This is why they have chosen to support two fields of interest.
Tom, who has traveled extensively, knows that Saskatoon and surrounding area is the best place in the world to live. That is why they have chosen Saskatoon Community Foundation.
Evan thinks about how his family lives comfortably and he knows that this is not the same for other families.
Lars believes that it is important to share with others, especially those in need.
When considering the timing for this gift, the family reflected upon the recent spoken words of a wise man who is well known to them. He asked them to not only consider what we are grateful for but also to consider the difference between ‘thanks giving’ and ‘thanks living’. The words of thanks giving are easier than acts of thanks living. With their gift to Saskatoon Community Foundation, given as an act of gratitude to the community, they will live their thanks in a long term and meaningful way.