About Anna Maria de Souza
Anna Maria de Souza was a distinguished philanthropist and volunteer in Toronto. Born in San Sebastiao do Paraiso, Brazil, she passed away at Princess Margaret Hospital in September 2007 after a courageous battle with cancer. For over 42 years she worked selflessly in various fund raising activities to benefit a number of charitable institutions in Canada.
Mrs. de Souza’s efforts resulted in over $53 million raised for various deserving institutions, most located in the City of Toronto, and most in the area of health care. Her principal commitment was the Brazilian Carnival Ball, which she founded in the basement of a church in 1966. Each year, the Ball attracts over 1,800 guests and raises over $2 million net, making it the largest charitable fundraising gala in Canada.
Every year a different charity is selected as the beneficiary of the Ball’s proceeds. In 2008, the proceeds were dedicated to oncology nursing at Princess Margaret Hospital. These funds became the catalyst for the creation of the de Souza Institute.
Honouring Anna Maria de Souza
Anna Maria de Souza was granted many awards and honours for her charitable work, including: the Queen’s Medal of Honour, awarded by the Governor General of Canada; the Order of Rio Branco, awarded by the President of Brazil; the Arbor Award, presented by the University of Toronto; and the Civic Award, presented by the City of Toronto.
Her dedication and contribution to philanthropy and the people of Ontario was further recognized in May 2008 when the Government of Ontario announced a $15 million grant to establish the de Souza Institute.
