The Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation (GVEF) in Victoria, British Columbia, has received a C$34 million ($25.4 million) bequest from the estate of Kathleen Sheret, CBC News reports.

The bequest from Sheret—a lifelong resident of Victoria who died in 2021 at the age of 105—is the largest in the foundation’s history and will be used to support the ongoing operation of four long-term care facilities and fund therapy programs, respite services for family caregivers, and the purchase of specialized equipment. In addition, the gift will bolster current programs by providing resources to help community members navigate aging and professional development scholarships for healthcare workers.

There are more than 7.3 million people ages 65 and older in Canada—a number that will grow considerably, CBC News reports. Before her death, Sheret was a resident of the foundation’s Aberdeen Hospital, a long-term care facility.

"[Kathleen Sheret] saw first-hand the impact that the Eldercare Foundation’s work had and was very grateful for that impact,” said GVEF executive director Lori McLeod. “I think she left the money to us because she knew that we could make that impact even more profound….It’s no secret that Canada’s population is aging….[The bequest] came at such a critical time.”

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