About

Jenny Jones is best known for hosting the nationally syndicated talk show “Jenny Jones,” but her resume includes many careers including waitress, bookkeeper, temp worker, fashion model, caterer, comedian, musician, singer, songwriter, author, food blogger, and philanthropist. In 2005, once she achieved success, Jenny established the Jenny Jones Foundation as a way to give back and help those who are underserved. Through her foundation she has given millions of dollars in the areas of scholarships, educations, and public health and safety.  In 2008 she established “Jenny’s Heroes,” a program where she committed  two million dollars to individuals who used it to improve their communities.  After choosing one hundred Heroes and covering all fifty states, Jones concluded the “Jenny’s Heroes” program, but she continues to help communities in need. In the summer of 2016, Jenny donated $200,000 to fund a new, state-of-the-art playground in her hometown of London, Ontario.  The following year, Jenny made a $50,000 donation to My Sister’s Place, a London shelter that provides services to all women without judgement.

Jenny feels strongly about supporting firefighters and first responders, people who dedicate their lives to helping others. “They run into places when others are running away,” says Jenny, “willing to take risks in any emergency from devastating fires to vehicle collisions to water and ice rescues. They need to be supported for their own safety and to be able to provide the best service to the people at risk.”

In May of 2018, Jenny reached out to the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) with a vision to support those who serve in their communities, and where a financial contribution would make a significant impact.  The OAFC immediately recognized the potential to work with Jenny by providing a medium to reach those departments in Ontario where this opportunity would make a difference.  In addition, the opportunity aligned well with the OAFC’s mandate to provide access to resources that help support their members’ role as fire and emergency service leaders in their communities.

The majority of fire departments in Ontario rely on the services of volunteer firefighters to provide fire protection, education and emergency first response in their communities. Due to smaller populations with a smaller tax base many of these departments are challenged to purchase updated equipment, gear and technology to protect these firefighters so they can provide the skilled, competent and caring services to the residents they are committed to protect.

Through Jenny’s Heroes Canada, the Jenny Jones Foundation is offering grants up to $25,000 to provide safety equipment to Ontario’s volunteer fire departments. Jones grew up in London, Ontario and wishes to give back to her home province.

For more on Jenny, please visit www.jennyjones.com

For more on the OAFC, please visit www.oafc.on.ca