Reportedly inspired by news of the unveiling of a Robert Burns statue in San Francisco, in 1911, the same year that the Burns Club joined the Burns Federation, the club, under President Colin Campbell, made a decision to raise, by public subscription a sum sufficient to erect a statue to Robert Burns, and appointed a committee, of Chairman Col John Y Reid, Dr Isaac Pitblado, KC, LLD, Lt. Col. Hugh Osler and Mr Alex Jamieson. William Anderson Weir as appointed as Treasurer of the fund.

It had been suggested that $50,000 could be raised, but Scottish caution prevailed and a goal of $10,000 was set. The first donor was a K. G. Affleck, who subscribed $50.00. Other subscribers included the famous Scottish-American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the largest donor at $500.00. A multitude of others contributed various amounts down to two of 50 cents, and one of 25.
By the time World War I began the total collected amounted to $3,297.25. After sundry expenses were paid an amount of $3,000 was left in Mr. Weir’s custody. In 1925 the committee was approached and asked if the money might be used to help erect a building to house all the various Scottish Societies, but were refused. In 1930, the General Hospitalsuggested thatthey might establish a “Burns Ward,” but were refused the funds.
Finally a Mrs Marguerite Taylor offered to supply a statue and four panels for $6,000. The committee were inclined to accept but postponed until they could be assured that they had sufficient funds for the purchase outright.