The Founders
Vera Perlin
Vera Elizabeth Crosbie Perlin was born in St. John's, Newfoundland, on November 28th, 1902, the daughter of Sir John and Lady Mathcie Ann Crosbie.
She attended Holloway School in St. John's and private schools in Toronto, Ontario. On September 11th, 1926, she married Albert Perlin, a prominent businessman, journalist and historian. They had three children: a daughter, Ann Elizabeth, and two sons, John and George.
Mrs. Perlin was a dedicated, independent woman, and exceptional wife and a mother who realized very early in her married life, the important role parents play in the education of their children.
The Founders
Albert Perlin
Albert Perlin, the eldest child of a Jewish family in St. John’s, was a lifelong friend of Joseph Smallwood, later premier of Newfoundland. Smallwood often relied on Perlin as an advisor at federal-provincial conferences. From 1920 to 1971, Perlin had a significant career in journalism, writing for The Evening Telegram, The Daily News, and founding The Observer's Weekly and The Newfoundland Record. His widely read column "In the News" (as “The Wayfarer”) and his CBC radio program shaped public opinion on Newfoundland issues.
Although an early opponent of Confederation, Perlin acknowledged the appeal of federal benefits to Newfoundlanders and, after Confederation, urged people to embrace it. He authored the popular The Story of Newfoundland (1959), which included a talk he gave to the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council. In 1926, Perlin married Vera Crosbie, daughter of Sir John C. Crosbie, who was notable for her work supporting people with disabilities – they had three children: a daughter, Ann Elizabeth, and two sons, John and George.
The Founders
John C. Perlin
John Perlin was one of the Founders of the Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador and served as its Treasurer for two decades. John served on the boards of numerous charitable and non-profit organizations, in such roles as National President of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Young Canadian Challenge), President of Wildlife Habitat Canada, Vice Chair of the Salvation Army Territorial Advisory Board, Past Chair of the Community Sectors Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, Past Chair of the Salvation Army’s Newfoundland and Labrador’s Advisory Board, Board Chair of Rising Tide Theatre and was Chairman Emeritus of the QuidiVidi/Rennies River Development Foundation having served as its founding Chair for more than 20 years and an Honorary Life President of the Royal St. John's Regatta. He was a Member of the Order of Canada, a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, a Member of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws by Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador.