Toronto Executive Mathieu Chantelois on Going From Media to Non-Profit

Mathieu Chantelois can’t remember a time he’s
been without a pen and paper.  So, it
makes sense he’d grow to pursue a career in media and journalism.  Since then, Chantelois has had an extensive
professional career as a television presenter, magazine editor, published
journalist, and now, Vice President for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada.

Like many journalists often do, Mathieu Chantelois
decided to turn his attention to the non-profit sector to further utilize the
skills and knowledge he developed while working in the media.

More importantly, he wanted to make a
difference.

With years of experience
already under his belt working with local charities, Chantelois has
successfully led campaigns for a range of non-profit organizations including:
Pride Toronto, the Toronto Museum of Contemporary Art, the Canadian Foundation
for Aids Research and the 519 Church St Community Centre in Toronto for which
he served as chair of the board.

After an “a-ha” moment came to him on his 40th
birthday, Chantelois decided to take his non-profit experience in tow and
accept a position with The Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada.

In his new role as Vice President of
Development and External Affairs, Chantelois is responsible for making sure the
organization meets its fundraising targets. Given that his role relies heavily
on advocacy, he is also regularly tasked with travelling to Ottawa to meet with
elected officials and other leaders in the non-profit sector.

“I work with an amazing team at the Boys and
Girls Clubs of Canada and have been tasked with making sure that we meet all
our fundraising goals,” explains Chantelois.

One major deciding factor in his decision to
switch careers was Chantelois’ displeasure with the current climate of the news
media.

“Digital media has led to an era of fake news
and clickbait, much of which is written very quickly to be used for web traffic
driving and engagement,” he said. “It amazes me to go to a press conference and
see young reporters working from their phones and writing stories from their
phones.”

Chantelois continues to explain, “I’ve always
wanted my storytelling to be impactful and to make a real difference, so I
thought at this point, the best way to do that was through non-profit work.”

Since accepting his position with the Boys and
Girls Club of Canada, Chantelois has successfully launched a number of
high-impact campaigns for the organization, including the PSA, “Kids of
Privilege” which was picked up by Cineplex Media and several local radio and TV
stations around the country.  He also
helped to publish the cookbook Kid Food
Nation, which won a 2018 Content Marketing Award in the nonprofit
publication category.  

Chantelois says, “I am grateful this position
allows me to focus my passion and drive towards the good of others, and I’m
proud that our campaigns are really resonating.”

While his passion lies in his non-profit work,
Chantelois still frequently appears on Radio-Canada, speaking on topics in
politics, culture and social life.

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