“Small but mighty” is how Irene Chalmers, director, Holdbest Foundation describes her family’s charitable foundation. For the past 11 years, the Holdbest Foundation has been supporting local organizations including the Bay Centre, Women’s College Hospital’s (WCH) sexual health clinic.

When the foundation was starting out, Chalmers remembered the late Sue Johanson, Canadian nurse and pioneering sex educator, visiting her high school. Johanson mentioned her own clinic along with the Bay Centre as teen-friendly spaces. Now a mother of teens herself, Chalmers reached out to Women’s College Hospital Foundation (WCHF) who arranged a visit to the Bay Centre. Chalmers, her siblings and parents met then medical director, Sheila Dunn, and immediately wanted to support the vital work of the Bay Centre. "Meeting Dr. Dunn was amazing and inspirational,” shares Chalmers.

The Bay Centre's innovation, such as developing Ontario’s first virtual ‘no-touch’ abortion program in 2020, and other initiatives to improve patient care and experience, spurs Holdbest Foundation’s continued support, along with the staff's dedication. "Especially in these fraught times, when reproductive rights are being rolled back and questioned, we have to ensure care and access are provided in a compassionate, forward-thinking environment," says Chalmers.

As a storyteller who works with museums and historic sites, Irene was also moved by our collection of Dr. Marion Powell’s letters. Known as the 'mother of birth control', Dr. Powell became the medical director of the Bay Centre in 1973 and ran an advice column for young people seeking guidance on topics related to sexual health. Hundreds of the handwritten anonymous letters sent to Dr. Powell are now housed at WCH in the archives.

The Holdbest Foundation also supports Ganawishkadawe – The Centre for Wise Practices in Indigenous Health and were its first supporters. Now celebrating its fourth year, Ganawishkadawe continues to flourish and expand its offerings to support Indigenous patients and community, thanks to the early support from philanthropic partners like the Holdbest Foundation.

The family is particularly proud to have inspired other donors, including a donor that Chalmers met at a WCHF event, who then went on to amplify her support for these programs. Chalmers explains, "I've learned that big or small, sharing your story can inspire others to give."