Quebec-Labrador Foundation - History

History

Founded in 1961 by the Reverend Robert (Bob) Bryan, QLF was originally established as the Quebec-Labrador Foundation Mission, which in 1969 became the Quebec-Labrador Foundation or simply QLF. Traveling by float plane, Bob visited the small "outport" communities of eastern Canada, bringing friendship, his talents as a clergyman, and the idea that the children in these communities should benefit from a new generation of community services, focused on leadership, education in the arts, marine and aviation skills, and creative thinking. Following in the tradition of Sir Wilfred Grenfell (Grenfell Mission), Bob led hundreds of high school and college students to the communities of the Quebec-Labrador Region to provide leadership in developing education and recreation for young people. He also developed scholarship funds, which continue to provide assistance for young people in eastern Canada.

In 1975, QLF expanded from community service programs to the realm of environmental education. Founding the Living Rivers Program in Tabusintac, New Brunswick, QLF established what would become one of QLF's hallmarks: cross border, community-based conservation and stewardship programs aimed at both young people and established conservation professionals.

In the early 1980s, QLF expanded its programs internationally to Western Europe, Central and Southeast Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Through exchange programs, study tours and professional meetings, QLF offers conservation and cultural heritage organizations an opportunity to share knowledge and build partnerships across geographic boundaries, as well as across public, private, and non-profit/non-governmental sectors.