Supporter spotlight: The Louis family’s generational approach to philanthropy

For the Louis family, philanthropy serves as both a shared purpose and family tradition. What began as Robin Louis’s way of giving back to his community has grown into something collective and enduring, carried forward by his sons, Owen and Aron, and daughter-in-law, Sheila, as they help decide where the family’s support can make the greatest difference. Their support of Windmill Microlending reflects that approach, focused on creating practical opportunities for people to build better futures. 

Robin started the Louis Family Foundation with a simple belief: if you have the means to give, you also have a responsibility to do something meaningful with it. For him, that meant starting close to home, supporting work that strengthened his community and helped people take concrete steps toward better futures. Over time, that commitment to thoughtful, consistent giving became the foundation’s guiding principle. 

“We wanted to get the kids involved from the beginning,” says Robin. That early vision shaped the foundation today.

For his son, Owen, being part of the Foundation came naturally. “Philanthropy is something that has always been aspirational to me because everybody wants to help out” says Owen. He describes the Foundation as a “baton that you’re not only happy to accept but privileged to accept.”

Much of that connection to the Foundation comes from seeing its impact over time. “We’ve been really touched by the changes we’ve seen in the organizations his parents have supported over the years,” Sheila says. Seeing those outcomes helped them believe in what thoughtful giving can achieve. It made the decision to get involved feel natural.

What was once a parent-led initiative has become a shared family practice shaped by  a variety of perspectives and shared values. A few times a year, the family gathers around the kitchen table to talk about organizations they want to support. Each person brings forward causes they care about, making the case for why they matter. Some conversations are straightforward and others take more time and debate. 

The differences in opinion are not only expected, but valued. They ensure that decisions are thoughtful - each perspective is considered. “If you’re having discussions and there isn’t some friction, then the people probably don’t care enough,” says Aron. 

Windmill’s work resonated with the family for its clear and practical approach to solving a systemic gap. Across Canada, skilled immigrants arrive with valuable experience but often face barriers to working in their fields, even as demand for their skills are present. “There’s a clear need,” Aron explains. “We’re bringing in skilled professionals, but we’re not always enabling them to contribute fully. Windmill is trying to fix that.” 

By providing repayable loans to help individuals complete accreditation and re-enter their professions, Windmill offers a practical way to bridge that divide, one that closely reflects the Louis family’s approach to giving: focused, measurable and grounded in creating real opportunity. 

Looking ahead, the Louis family sees their role continuing in much the same way: through ongoing conversations, shared decision-making and a commitment to supporting work that creates meaningful opportunities for others. 

For the Louis family, giving back isn’t defined by a single moment or milestone. It’s something that is built over time, shaped by experience and strengthened with each generation.

Read about the Louis family and other Windmill supporters in our 2026 impact report!