TMU think tank NIA receives $3M donation to fight dementia
The NIA will use this donation to support various programs across the country, especially those that help underserved and vulnerable populations. (Dario Valenzuela/Unsplash)
The National Institute on Ageing (NIA) at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) has received a $3-million gift from the Slaight Family Foundation. This donation will enable the NIA to lead a national campaign raising awareness about dementia, including its prevention, treatment and care.
This donation is part of the foundation's latest $30-million strategic philanthropic initiative aimed at enhancing dementia prevention, care and research across Canada.
With dementia diagnoses projected to affect nearly 1 million Canadians by 2030 and over 1.7 million by 2050, the investment arrives at a critical time.
“This significant donation will foster strategic partnerships between health-care institutions and community organizations, to better support families living with dementia,” said Alyssa Brierley, executive director of the NIA. “This generous gift will promote greater awareness and more inclusive care for people living with dementia across Canada.”
NIA to lead national campaign
Collaborating with people living with dementia and a network of partners, the NIA will develop practical, best-in-class resources for those affected by dementia, their families, and caregivers. These resources will be amplified through engaging digital content hosted by the NIA to drive a stronger national conversation on ageing and dementia.
"One of the greatest health-care challenges we face is the growing number of older Canadians living with dementia, projected to affect 6.3 million people between 2020 and 2050. This necessitates urgent action to drive meaningful change and improve lives," said Gary Slaight, President and CEO of The Slaight Family Foundation.
"Dementia care demands a comprehensive, collaborative approach. Through this funding to our exceptional partners, we aim to accelerate progress, foster innovation, and enhance the lives of those affected by dementia,” he continued.
Dr. Samir Sinha, director of health policy research at the NIA, emphasized the urgency of the situation.
“Currently, more than 350 people in Canada develop dementia each day. This is more than 15 every hour. Yet many Canadians are not aware of what they can do to prevent it or how to access the right care and support,” said Dr. Sinha. “This visionary and transformative donation will support those living with and affected by dementia, especially among Canada’s underserved populations.”
The Slaight Family Foundation Dementia Initiative will promote more inclusive care, strengthen community support networks, improve public awareness, and encourage bold action.
Mohamed Lachemi, president and vice-chancellor of TMU, highlighted the ongoing relationship between the university and the foundation.
“TMU has a longstanding relationship with the Slaight Family Foundation, including being home to the Allan Slaight Radio Institute in The Creative School. This recent gift will better support efforts to prevent dementia and to better care for the millions of Canadians who will be affected by dementia. We are grateful to The Slaight Family Foundation for recognizing this urgent need.”
The NIA will use this new donation to support various programs across Canada. These programs will benefit all Canadians, especially underserved and vulnerable populations.
Other Slaight Family Foundation Dementia Initiative recipients include:
- Alzheimer Society of Canada
- Baycrest
- Belmont House
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- Egale
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre