About Our Initiatives

The Walter & Maria Schroeder Foundation is committed to improving healthcare services for all Canadians, educating the Canadian public on the severity of economic problems in Newfoundland and Labrador and empowering youth and Indigenous communities. The Foundation’s work on healthcare spans from large donations for advancement in medical research to advocating Canada on the need for a reformed and more affordable healthcare system. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Walter & Maria Schroeder Foundation aims to celebrate the cultural significance of the Atlantic provinces and shine a light on their economic problems. Finally, Walter and Maria believe in supporting the First Nation communities that have been the most disadvantaged in Canada.

Newfoundland & Labrador Healthcare Reconciliation

Newfoundland & Labrador

Supporting Newfoundland and Labrador

Throughout his career, Walter frequently traveled to the province of Newfoundland & Labrador. Enthralled by the people’s resiliency and humour, he fell in love with the province’s deeply emotional and melodic music.

Walter became interested in the province’s economic history and future, in particular, the problems started by the one-sided Churchill Falls deal, and how it led to the province’s current perilous financial state. Long a fan of musical theatre, Walter conceived a new musical, using favorite Newfoundland and Labrador songs to tell the story of Churchill Falls and its devastating effect on the province.

Titled No Change in the Weather, this new musical successfully launched this year and continues on its path towards a Broadway debut. Meanwhile, the Schroeder Policy Institute was set up to educate and inform Canadian politicians about the poor economic prospects for Newfoundland and Labrador and offer creative solutions to its looming insolvency.

Newfoundland and Labrador Musical Proceeds Donated To Hospitals

In October 2019, The Walter & Maria Schroeder Foundation announced a substantial donation to St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto…

November 26, 2019 Read More >>

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Healthcare

Advancing Canada's Healthcare System

As an investor and private citizen, Walter has long had an intense interest in the science of healthcare, and how healthcare is delivered in Canada. Much of the Foundation’s more high-profile efforts have involved large donations to Ontario hospitals, to assist in research and special projects.

In 2017, the Foundation established the Walter & Maria Schroeder Institute for Brain Innovation and Recovery, with a $20-million gift to the Toronto Rehab Foundation – the largest ever made to a rehabilitation hospital in Canada. The Institute has allowed Toronto Rehab to build a collaborative group of multi-disciplinary experts in engineering and the clinical neurosciences, developing new therapies for brain-related disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) and Parkinson’s.

Recently Walter has started a campaign, through the Schroeder Policy Institute, to increase federal government funding to 6% from its current 3%.

Generous Gifts: How Medical Funding is Used

Watch and learn how the generous donations from the Walter & Maria Schroeder Foundation have advanced Canada’s medical…

November 26, 2019 Watch >>

The Importance of Philanthropy in Healthcare

The recent introduction of virtual care, healthcare data management, and exploration of robotics, three-dimensional printing, nanotechnology and various…

November 26, 2019 Read More >>

CRANIA Project Leads Charge in Canadian Medical Research

On May 15th, the Center for Advancing Neurotechnological Innovation for Application (CRANIA) was launched as a joint initiative…

November 26, 2019 Read More >>

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Reconciliation

Empowering Canada’s Indigenous People

The Walter & Maria Schroeder Foundation is founded on the ideal of personal and community-based action, to giving a helping hand to those most in need, offering dignity and hope to those falling through societies’ cracks.

Walter and Maria are both big believers in the value of education. The Foundation supports a wide-ranging system of scholarships, bursaries, grants, technological, educational and community supports for Winnipeg North End high schools. Walter’s work in these high schools gave him a window into the lives of young Indigenous Canadians, who have often been left adrift financially when they leave northern reserves and move to Winnipeg.

The Foundation has worked to create a unique school support program for these young people, tracking those most at risk and providing financial, academic and other supports.

In north end, pandemic can’t kill kindness

In north end, pandemic can’t kill kindness Winnipeg Free Press April 2, 2020 Article by: Doug Speirs…

April 3, 2020 Read More >>

Food Insecurity: Our Response

The Walter & Maria Schroeder Foundation provides funding and resources to students in a number of communities in…

November 26, 2019 Read More >>

North End Winnipeg High School Builds Brand New Cafeteria and Affordable Meal Program

In early 2018, the Walter & Maria Schroeder Foundation pledged $10 million dollars to three underprivileged high schools…

November 26, 2019 Read More >>

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