Kathleen (Kay) Sheret Legacy Gift
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 22, 2023
$34M legacy gift for Greater Victorians with diverse abilities will change lives
Victoria, BC – Individuals in Greater Victoria with a broad range of diverse abilities will benefit from a life-changing $34-million legacy donation to the Garth Homer Foundation.
On March 21, Foundation Vice-Chair Bruce Homer announced the gift – one of the largest donations ever given to support individuals with diverse abilities – from the late Kathleen (Kay) Sheret, the last member of the pioneer Sheret family.
“This incredible gift is truly transformational in the impact it will have on community-based care for our clients and others in need of support and will help the people of Greater Victoria better care for one another for generations to come,” said Bruce Homer, nephew of founder Garth Homer.
The Garth Homer Foundation provides funds to support people with developmental and other diverse abilities to make a life, a home, and a place in the world. Kay’s connection with the Foundation began when she first met Garth Homer in the 1960’s through their work on social causes, when the two formed a fast friendship. Kay became an important mentor and admired Garth’s vision and dedication to those with diverse abilities, and her legacy gift will ensure his vision, and hers, continues for generations.
“Kay’s generosity and vision will support many people in our community who need it, whether due to neurodevelopmental conditions, acquired brain injury or dementia. We believe her gift is among the largest private donations for community care for people facing cognitive disabilities or challenges in aging in B.C. and Canada.”
The Garth Homer Foundation provides funding both to the Garth Homer Society, and other like organizations delivering support and quality-of-life enhancements in the Greater Victoria community. This legacy gift will allow the Garth Homer Foundation to continue to broaden its reach and depth of support for hundreds of individuals and their families.
“Investing in this work is key to supporting people of all ages with diverse abilities who continue to face barriers,” said Catherine Lord, Garth Homer Foundation Board chair. “Donations like this make it possible to dream BIG and develop long term and innovative strategies which will benefit the community for years to come.
The Garth Homer Foundation strategically invests in organizations providing quality of life support to those facing cognitive and other barriers. Donations received help fund a wide range of projects and programs that deliver greater independence and improve the quality of life for clients and their families.
About the Garth Homer Foundation
Founded in 1998, the Garth Homer Foundation provides funds to support people with developmental and other disabilities to make a life, a home, and a place in the world. The Garth Homer Foundation manages charitable gifts of all sizes from donors wishing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with developmental and/or acquired disabilities.
Interviews with the Garth Homer Foundation can be arranged by contacting:
Media contact
Lori Elder, PR4Good
Communications and Media Relations Specialist E. lori@pr4good.ca
C: 250.812.8209
