At this time of year, it is natural for us to take stock of the last 12 months. Since my arrival at the Baycrest Foundation early in the year, I’m proud to say that 2017 saw a remarkably strong response from our community of donors. Your support continued to help us provide more daily care to older adults, fund new initiatives to advance the research that improves treatments and identifies preventative practices, and further cement Baycrest’s reputation as a world-leading care and research institution.

Below are just a few of the outstanding highlights of what you, our generous community of donors, helped Baycrest achieve during 2017:

• January 2017 – Baycrest was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People. The designation is given by the Canada Top 100 Employers project to the best workplaces for youth starting their careers. Learning and development awards sponsored by generous donors allow staff to upgrade skills, attend workshops and travel for learning opportunities.  
• March 2017 –  Baycrest scientists led the development of the first Canadian Brain Health Food Guide to help adults over 50 preserve thinking and memory skills.  A significant portion of our revenue for research – more than a third – is thanks to donors.
• May 2017 – The 2^nd annual TELUS Health Brain Project charitable art installation launched citywide, captivating millions of Torontonians and tourists throughout the summer while raising awareness and funding for brain health and aging at Baycrest. This year, the project raised more than $1 million for Baycrest.
• June 2017 – The Birdie 4 Baycrest golf tournament raised funds for infrastructure projects to enhance the client experience, operations and clinical facilities upgrades.
• July 2017 – Baycrest held its 2^nd annual Prom for its community members. Home to one of the largest groups of Holocaust survivors in North America, the donor-sponsored event gave residents the opportunity to attend the prom they missed out on in their youth.
• August 2017 – Renovation plans were finalized for the Terraces residence – the largest revitalization of its kind in four decades.
• September 2017 – The Annual Barrie to Baycrest (B2B) community fundraising bike ride raised more than $600,000 for therapeutic recreation and fitness programs.
• October 2017 – A special evening of entertainment honouring 100 years of women’s achievements at Baycrest was held at the Jacob Family Theatre at the Posluns Auditorium. The event raised nearly $200,000 for beds and other essential equipment.
• November 2017 – Baycrest broke ground on a new geriatric dental centre thanks to generous donors. The Alpha Omega Dental Centre at Baycrest will become North America’s premier, geriatric dental clinic.
• December 2017 – Construction begins on a new cafeteria that will offer more healthy food choices to our clients, their families and the community.

Your generosity and support play a direct role in our ability to add life to years.

As we approach our Centennial Year in 2018, please consider making a year-end contribution in support of our mission and help us create the next century of healthy aging.

While we had a great 2017, we mourn the loss of our board members Barry and Honey Sherman z”l. Their dedication to Baycrest knew no bounds and their exceptional kindness and generosity helped add life to years for the many people touched by the impact of both the time they spent working for our cause and their contributions. May their memories be for blessing.

On behalf of everyone at the Baycrest Foundation, thank you and I wish you and yours a very happy and healthy holiday season.

Sincerely,

Josh Cooper
President & CEO, Baycrest Foundation