Renée Unger, adored mother and grandmother, left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was known for her intelligence, her warm, captivating and engaging personality, and her striking red hair. Best known by those outside of her immediate family for her famous Salad Dressings, Renée’s Gourmet, Renée used her boundless imagination and her enviable brilliance to build an empire in the food industry. Renée became a Canadian icon in salad dressings and used her success in business to foster her philanthropy, giving generously of her time and resources to a range of charitable endeavours. Sadly, Renée passed away on July 3, 2021, at the age of 78.
Renée had the uncanny ability to make people around her feel special and unique, treating each person as an individual. Always giving with her heart, she was a first-class role model - in both business and her community - and especially to her family.
Renée created her Salad Dressing empire by combining her love of food with her concern of food allergies, resulting in the creation of an all-natural product. She was constantly cooking up a storm for friends and family. Her feasts were legendary, and no one ever left hungry. Renée remains an inspiration to anyone with a talent and a dream.
Renée's impact on the culinary industry also made for strong relationships with George Brown College’s Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts, creating lasting friendships with the faculty. In 2007, she set up the Renée Unger Endowment Fund to support student scholarships. Through the Endowment Fund, Renée sought to promote opportunities for George Brown College students to attain the success she had enjoyed in her long career in the food industry. Renée's daughters, Alysse, Lori and Karen, have chosen to honour her legacy by continuing to support students at George Brown College. Donations made in Renée’s memory will either support capital improvements at George Brown College’s Culinary School or will continue to support Renée’s longstanding scholarship fund.
Donations made will elicit a tax receipt for the full amount. 100% of your donation will go directly to support students at the College. For additional information, please contact Gabriella Goutam at the George Brown College Foundation at gabriella.goutam@georgebrown.ca or 416-415-5000 ext. 3289.
