David Lockett is the President and Co-Founder of the PACT Urban Peace Program, a long-time Rotarian, visionary social entrepreneur, author, and community leader with more than 30 years of experience bringing together business, philanthropy, and community partnerships to create meaningful social impact.
David has dedicated much of his career to turning community needs into practical action. He has co-founded and led two Toronto charities, The Redwood Shelter and PACT, helping support thousands of youth, seniors, families, and survivors of domestic violence. Throughout his career, he has developed, launched, and funded practical, preventative programs addressing family and domestic violence, poverty, youth crime, and social inequity. His work reflects a belief that lasting solutions come from strong partnerships, shared responsibility, and a willingness to address challenges at their roots.
David’s commitment to service has been recognized through honours including the King Charles III Coronation Medal (2025), Volunteer Toronto’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2019), the Rotary Club Toronto West Community Hero Award (2021), and the Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, along with the City of Toronto Ward 16 Volunteer of the Year Award and a Special Recognition Award from the Mayor of Toronto and Toronto City Council. The PACT Urban Peace Program was also the inaugural recipient of the Rotary Urban Peace Award. David was recognized by The Globe and Mail as a Transformation Canadian for his work with PACT.
In 2025, David published his first book, Survival of the Kindest, drawing on decades of experience in business, philanthropy, and community leadership. The book challenges businesses to rethink their role in society and explores how leadership, kindness, and social responsibility can help create stronger communities.
Today, David continues to bring people, organizations, and resources together to turn ideas into action and create meaningful opportunities for people and communities to thrive.
4. Social Media and Online LinksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-j-lockett/
Toronto
