From humble beginnings, Paul Albrechtsen became a trucking magnate, business leader and remarkable philanthropist. At age 24, he immigrated to Canada from Denmark with $50 in his pocket and found work as a field mechanic in Virden. Living in tool sheds to save money, he bought two trucks in the space of two years and, in 1956, founded Paul’s Hauling Ltd., of which he is still president and CEO. In addition to his business acumen, he is committed to giving back to his community. Through the Paul Albrechtsen Foundation, many organizations have benefited from his altruism including the Reh-Fit Centre, St. Paul’s High School, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy and the Health Sciences Centre. In April 2015, Paul Albrechtsen donated $5 million in support of cardiac research to the St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, which now bears his family name. Combined with previous donations, he is the most significant donor in the hospital’s history.
