Bio

President + Creative Director

WISHART Advertising + Graphic Design
Since 1989

John has won hundreds of awards for creative excellence while leading wishart, a boutique social marketing firm that’s helped Canadian charities raise well over ONE BILLION dollars. We really are creating the greater good!

Visit our website: www.wishart.net

Licensed Lay Worship Leader

The United Church of Canada
Since 2012

In his ‘spare’ time, John serves as a licensed lay worship leader. This responsibility sees him leading worship 15+ times a year when ministers are away on study leaves or holidays. Booked months (and even years) in advance, John is a favoured speaker for anniversary services.

Executive Director

Charity Gaming Federation of Ontario
Since 2018

As Executive Director, John advocates on behalf of almost 500 local charities throughout Ontario as they demand fair and equal access to Bingo Modernization.

Board Chair

Joy and Hope of Haiti
Since 2015

Providing the children of Haiti with an education that addresses their minds, bodies and spirits, with God’s grace, John is helping to transform a nation.

Website: www.joyandhopeofhaiti.com

Vice President

Winona Men’s Club
Member since 1996, Vice President since 2015

Having been a member of the Winona Men’s Club for over 20 years, John joined the Executive as a Director in 2018 before becoming Vice-President in early 2019. The club helped found the Winona Peach Festival in 1967. John has been the Winona Men’s Club rep to the Winona Peach Festival since 2015.

Chair of Stewards, Worship Chair, and Chair of Fifty United Church Council

Fifty United Church
Member since 1996, Provided senior leadership for 17 years

Before becoming a Licensed Lay Worship Leader, John provided volunteer leadership at Fifty United Church: Chair of Stewards (10 years); Worship Chair (6 years); and Chair of Fifty United Church Council (1 year).

Founding Board Member

United to Help Syrians
2015 – 2018

John was a founding member of the Board and worked to help bring to Canada — and then successfully settle — a young Syrian family of four. In 2018, the Board was honoured by the Town of Grimsby with a Special Achievement Award for bringing honour to the Grimsby community.

Queen’s University

BAH, Double major Film and Politics

Winner of The Tricolour Award. The Tricolour Award and induction in the Tricolour Society is the highest tribute that can be paid to a student for valuable and distinguished service to the University. Also, winner of the Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Society (ASUS) Award. John was involved in fifty activities at Queen’s including President of ASUS.

Hamilton Collegiate Institute

Recognized as the top male student at graduation, John created the school’s only yearbook. (HCI was a Grade 13-only school.)

Westdale Secondary

Numerous awards upon graduation including top student, John was involved in student government for three years culminating as Triune President.