TORONTO, December 4, 2024 – Yesterday, The Slaight Family Foundation announced a historic donation of $30 million to support people with disabilities across Canada.  

This transformational investment will fund a unique cross-country partnership of 11 national and regional organizations serving people with disabilities, which will change the landscape of disability in Canada and serve as a model of innovation in issue-based giving and collaboration.  

“The impact of disability exclusion is significant, not just on people with disabilities and their families, but on our culture and economy as well,” says Gary Slaight, President and CEO of The Slaight Family Foundation. “Connecting and expanding programs and innovations from organizations dedicated to disability care and awareness will create an umbrella of support across Canada, while dismantling stigma and creating a more inclusive society for us all.” 

With a generous $1 million gift from The Slaight Family Foundation, the Canadian Women’s Foundation, in partnership with DAWN Canada, will launch The Root Change Initiative to address gender-based violence and disability, and build a network of support across the country. 

Thirty per cent of women in Canada between 18 and 65 live with a disability. Women and gender-diverse people with disabilities also face disproportionately high rates of gender-based violence (GBV), and significant barriers to accessing support. Systemic inequalities, stigma, and a lack of tailored resources leave many survivors without the help they need to heal and thrive. Through this gift, we will fund grassroots programs that support women and gender-diverse people at risk of violence; build the capacity of local organizations; share tools and knowledge; conduct critical research; and advocate for inclusive, trauma-informed solutions to ensure survivors receive the support they need.  

“This landmark gift from The Slaight Family Foundation represents a critical step forward in addressing the unique challenges faced by women and gender-diverse people with disabilities who are at risk of violence,” says Mitzie Hunter, President and CEO, Canadian Women’s Foundation. “By breaking down systemic barriers and supporting programs that expand accessibility and combat discrimination, this investment will ensure greater safety, equity, and opportunity. Together, with our partners at DAWN Canada we’re building a more inclusive Canada, where women and gender-diverse people with disabilities can live free from violence, and have the power, safety, support, and rights they need to thrive.”  

“With these funds and the incredible expertise of the Canadian Women’s Foundation, we look forward to this opportunity to finally harness the incredible resilience of our community into a movement for change,” says Bonnie Brayton, CEO, DAWN Canada. “We are so grateful to The Slaight Family Foundation and our partners at the Canadian Women’s Foundation for this extraordinary gift to women and gender-diverse people with disabilities in Canada. As we approach our 40th year of service, seeing these urgently needed funds, resources, and supports finally made available to our incredible grassroots movement and community partners makes this December 3rd/Giving Tuesday truly transformative. Root Resilience, Root Change, Root Justice!” 

Since 2013, The Slaight Family Foundation has funded several strategic initiatives to multiple organizations. These initiatives started with gifts to five Toronto hospitals to support priority healthcare issues, followed by programs to address global humanitarianism, the healthy development of children and youth across Canada, support for Indigenous issues, a seniors’ initiative to help keep seniors in their homes, mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, women and girls at risk globally and in Canada, the theatre industry’s recovery from pandemic closures, a youth mental health initiative and support for dementia prevention and care.

The Slaight Family Foundation was established in 2008 by John Allan Slaight. Allan Slaight (1931-2021), known as Canada’s broadcast pioneer, was a leader in the music industry and a prominent Canadian philanthropist. Through his generosity, the Foundation proactively supports charitable initiatives in the areas of healthcare, at-risk youth, international development, social services and culture. Allan’s son, Gary Slaight, oversees the foundation as President & CEO, The Slaight Family Foundation. 

The Canadian Women’s Foundation is Canada’s public foundation for gender justice and equality. They advance this by growing support for grassroots feminist action, partnering with communities and organizations to improve conditions, and building diverse leadership and knowledge for sustainable change.

Since 1991, their generous donors and supporters have contributed more than $260 million to fund over 3,300 life-transforming programs throughout Canada. Learn more at canadianwomen.org

Founded in 1985, DAWN Canada is an intersectional feminist human rights organization that works to address systems of oppression.

Our mission is to end the poverty, isolation, discrimination and violence experienced by women and gender-diverse people with disabilities, including those who are Deaf.

DAWN Canada is celebrating their 40th year in service in June 2025.

Canadian Women’s Foundation
Sarah Ruddle
sruddle@canadianwomen.org

DAWN Canada
Demi Bégin, Communications Manager
demi@dawncanada.net
(514) 396-0009