In 1984, Rotarian Vim Kochhar and The Rotary Club of Toronto – Don Valley members were asked to help raise funds for the Cheshire Homes Foundation to help build housing for the deaf-blind. The First Annual Great Valentine Gala, in 1985 in Toronto, raised $230,000. It was supposed to be a one-time event, but within two years became so successful that a charitable organization was created.

That organization was the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons (CFPDP), with a goal to assist individuals with physical challenges to live fuller lives and raise awareness of their achievements and contributions to society. Since then, CFPDP has initiated dozens of important projects and events, raising over $30 million.