Nipissing University receives $5 million transformational gift

Nipissing University receives transformational gift to expand and enhance rare dementia research, support and education nationally 

Nipissing University announced a transformational $5M investment to support the continued development and national expansion of Rare Dementia Support Canada (RDS Canada).

This gift will support the expansion of dementia research, support
services, and education, as well as help establish a dedicated space to house
RDS Canada - a centre committed to improving the lives of individuals and
families affected by rare and young-onset dementias. 

Established in 2021 with an initial $400,000 gift
from The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation, RDS Canada was built on the
foundation of a multi-component support model developed by Dr. Mary Pat
Sullivan, Principal Lead of RDS Canada and Professor of Social Work at
Nipissing University. Her work, shaped through a five-year Rare Dementia
Support Impact Study in collaboration with Rare Dementia Support UK, has
already strengthened national support systems and connected individuals across
the country through the creation of online communities of support. 

“Community-based research and care are essential to
our health-care system. When supports are informed by research and rooted in
lived experience, we create opportunities for shared understanding, connection,
and hope,” said Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor of Nipissing
University. “Through the generosity of The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation
and driven by Dr. Sullivan’s leading research in the field, the RDS Canada team
is empowered to continue to lead with purpose and compassion, ensuring that
those living with rare dementias have access to leading edge, meaningful, and
evidence-informed support.” 

As RDS Canada enters a pivotal five-year growth
phase, this new investment from The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation will
help fuel RDS Canada’s vision to advance research that transforms understanding
and care for those living with dementias, empower individuals and families
through personalized support and community learning, and foster global
connections and national partnerships to shape the future of rare dementia
support.  

The $5 million donation will help: 

• Establish a dedicated national centre to house RDS Canada 
• Enhance capacity to deliver personalized care through the expansion of the current team, including the hiring of an Administrative Director  
• Develop immersive support environments using cutting-edge technology 
• Increase support capacity among healthcare practitioners
• Build and strengthen national and international research and education partnerships

“This generous gift enables RDS Canada to continue to
push the boundaries of dementia research and support in Canada – expanding
access to information and services, deepening our work with individuals and
families affected by dementias, and fostering new approaches to address the
unique challenges of rare dementia,” said Dr. Sullivan. “Our
community-university partnership model emphasizes the importance of
collaboration, and the vital connection between support delivery, research,
knowledge sharing, and education. By providing a specialized support community
and tailored services for individuals and families with differing support
needs, RDS Canada aims to fill a unique gap in dementia support nationwide.” 

To learn more about RDS Canada, visit: raredementiasupport.ca