MacKinnon and Bowes LTD.

04/12/2026

On Friday, MacKinnon & Bowes hosted its 16th annual Student Day, welcoming more than 140 students to our Toronto offices. Attendees joined us from Humber College (Toronto), Collège Boréal (Sudbury), and Le Cégep de Rosemont (Montreal)—marking the third year we’ve brought together students from all three institutions for this event. This year’s gathering was especially meaningful as we celebrated MacKinnon & Bowes’ 60th anniversary of service. The day began with opening remarks from Justin Brown, CEO & Registrar of the BAO, alongside Nathan Wellman, BAO Licensing and Education Officer. We were also pleased to welcome several special guests who contributed to an engaging and informative program. The Toronto Police Traffic Services Unit delivered a valuable presentation and hands-on demonstration on safely organizing processions on public roadways. Trillium Gift of Life Network transplant specialists, led by Michelle Jarvi, provided an insightful session on organ donation and its impact. We also appreciated the participation and engagement from Brad Jones (OFSA) and Jay Branton (OACFP). Jedd Lappid from the Foundation shared important information about scholarships, bursaries, and grants available to students enrolled in eligible programs.
As part of our continued commitment to giving back, we used this event to support a meaningful cause—raising just over $4,700 for Holland Bloorview Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital. Alison Hughes joined us to accept the donation and speak about the “Capes for Kids” initiative. Each year, this event continues to grow in impact and importance. We look forward to it not only as a chance to connect with students, but to meet and support the future leaders of our profession.

04/03/2026

National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week (NOTDAW) in Canada for 2026 runs from April 19 to 25, 2026. This week aims to raise awareness about the critical need for donors and encourages Canadians to register their decision and discuss it with family. It coincides with the annual Green Shirt Day on April 7, 2026.

03/26/2026

We are proud to celebrate 2 outstanding Humber College students for their exceptional academic performance and achievements in the Funeral Services program. Congratulations to Ying Qian Lee, recipient of the Allan Cole Scholarship, and Sasha Conhiser, recipient of the MacKinnon & Bowes Scholarship. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence truly set you apart, and we are honored to support your continued success.
While Ying Qian Lee was unfortunately unable to attend the ceremony in person, we extend our sincere congratulations and recognition for this well-deserved achievement. MacKinnon & Bowes was very capably represented at the awards ceremony by Alex Cole and Alexandra Faria, who were proud to take part in recognizing these students. These scholarships are designed to support students as they develop their potential, pursue their studies, remain in school, graduate, and contribute to the profession. Congratulations again to Ying Qian Lee and Sasha Conhiser—we look forward to seeing all that you accomplish in the future. Pictured her is Alexandra Faria, Sasha Conhiser, and Alex Cole.

03/14/2026

We’re always proud to see members of our team engaging in professional events and opportunities within our industry.
This week, Jane Pigott, Amanda Harvey, and Holly Poirier represented MacKinnon & Bowes at the annual OACFP Professional Women’s Conference. They had a wonderful day connecting with colleagues and taking part in an inspiring event alongside so many talented professionals.

03/08/2026

Today, on International Day of Remembrance for Fallen Officers, Ontario Police Memorial Foundation honours all police officer who have lost their lives as a result of serving and protecting our communities.

Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

The Memorial Pin is the official pin of the Ontario Police Memorial.

This pewter pin replicates the Memorial's Wall of Honour, which contains the names of 283 fallen officers who have died in the service to the people of Ontario. (as of May, 2025)

The pin depicts a Trillium flower placed within a badge. A badge is the symbol, which represents the authority of all police officers, and the Trillium is the official flower of the Province of Ontario. Combined together they represent all Police Officers in Ontario.

The words “HEROES IN LIFE NOT DEATH” are on the Pin and on the Memorial’s main pedestal. These words are from a police officer’s widow.l, reflecting her feelings shortly after her husband’s funeral. “HE WAS OUR HERO IN LIFE, NOT DEATH”. Her words need nothing more said.

You can now order Memorial Pins online.

Profits from sale of this pin are used to promote the Ontario Police Memorial.

As fellow Police Officers, both active and retired, we ask and encourage you to wear your pin as a sign of support and respect for the families and our fallen comrades, during the following times:

On the day that a police officer is killed in the line of duty, until sundown on the day of the officer's funeral.

During the Ontario Police Memorial Day, the first Sunday in May.

During the Canadian Police Peace Officer's Memorial Day on the last Sunday of September.

Many officers are unable to attend police funerals and/or Police Memorial Day services. By wearing the pin on your daily uniform, you are showing support for the families of all officers killed in the line of duty.

Family members of the Honour Roll officers will have a white trillium on their pin.

INTERPOL HQ | |

02/07/2026

We are looking for some assistance from local Ontario licensees in the GTA that may be available for "call in" prep support. We have immediate opportunities for both full time and occasional requirements for experienced licensed personnel. If you have a day, evening or weekend that you would be willing work, let us know. We have a great team and would be glad to add a few new members. Call and let us know if you are available.

12/26/2025

Christmas Day 2025, There are 90 dedicated members of the MacKinnon & Bowes team working over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Many firms generously give their staff time-off to be with family during the holidays. This results in December 25th being the busiest day of the year for MacKinnon & Bowes. I am proud of our dedicated staff that give of themselves in service of others at this very special time of year. Their dedication, commitment, and sense of duty enables others to spend Christmas with their families. For this and their professionalism, I am sincerely grateful. Erin Hipkiss and Rachel Mcewing led the team on Christmas Day. Today we were able to arrange Christmas dinner for everyone. The telephone answering division will receive calls for over 850 firms in the US and Canada. It is a tremendous responsibility for these dedicated individuals to support the requirements of so many. My employees dedication is very much appreciated by everyone that works at MacKinnon & Bowes and also those that receive the benefit from their sacrifice today. Thanks very much to our group and a Merry Christmas to all.

12/25/2025

December 24, 2025: Christmas is here again and I am grateful for the wonderful team I am honoured to work with all year long. Once again, as this time of year arrives, many selfless individuals on the MacKinnon & Bowes team work during the holidays so many of our colleagues are able to enjoy this special time of year with their families. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day will be some of the busiest days of the year for these remarkable and talented people. Thank you to all of them and the people that rely on us every day to represent them so professionally. We had our Holiday Lunch for staff and were able to donate to several tremendous organizations as well. For the 2025 Holiday Season we chose to donate meaningfully to The Salvation Army, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, the Daily Bread Food Bank and Covenant House. This year we were able to contribute meaningfully to several charities and organizations on behalf of our entire company.

12/07/2025

The Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir is deeply grateful for the generosity of Al and Angela Sadegursky, whose recent donation helps us continue sharing the joy of music with our community. Your support means the world to us—diolch yn fawr!

We also extend heartfelt thanks to our valued corporate sponsors:

- The Abbot Pub and Fare
- MacKinnon and Bowes LTD.
- Christensen Real Estate Group
- Amica Bayview Village

Your partnership strengthens our mission and ensures our voices can keep ringing out with harmony, tradition, and camaraderie.

10/10/2025

The Provincial Donation Champion Award recognizes professionals who play a vital role in the donation process and have consistently demonstrated their commitment to saving lives through the gift of organ and tissue donation. Congratulations, Allan, and thank you for your dedication.

"Helping save lives through donation has been my greatest honour." — Allan, Donation Champion

Allan Cole
MacKinnon and Bowes LTD.

09/24/2025

Congratulations Bob - you are an amazing professional and I have been grateful for opportunities to work with you. This is a well deserved recognition for your work for the Funeral Service Foundation.

🎉 Honoring Bob Arrington!

The Funeral Service Foundation is proud to present the Distinguished Service Award to Bob Arrington during the 2025 NFDA International Convention & Expo. A true leader, innovator, and champion of funeral service, Bob’s legacy spans decades of service to the profession.

To celebrate his extraordinary impact, we’re establishing an academic scholarship in his name, a fitting tribute to someone who has helped raise immeasurable funds for others. Now, it’s our turn to give back.

⭐Read all about it! https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/scholarship-established-to-honor-distinguished-funeral-director/

💙 Make a gift in Bob’s honor: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/donate-now-bob-arrington/

02/17/2025

🌸 Spring Into Opportunity with the Funeral Service Foundation! 🌸

We're excited to launch our Spring Scholarship Season! Apply for scholarships and programs that’ll help you take your career to the next level:

✅ Academic Scholarships
✅ Academic Scholarships for Veterans
✅ Certified Celebrant Training 🕊️
✅ NFDA Embalming & Restorative Arts Seminar
✅ National Emerging Leaders Program 🌟

Apply today and take the next step in your journey!
👉 http://funeralservicefoundation.org/scholarship-opportunities