Sherbrooke, March 24, 2026 — In keeping with its long-standing commitment to supporting local seniors, the Board of Directors and Corporation governing St-Paul’s Rest Home of Bury has donated over $1.7 million to three local charitable foundations. A significant portion of these funds were monies that St. Paul’s Home received from the Sherbrooke Hospital Foundation, and a large bequest from the estate of Howard and Dorothy Kennedy. These funds will help ensure that the region’s seniors continue to receive compassionate care and that the next generation of healthcare professionals is supported in their studies.
Founded in 1964, St-Paul’s Rest Home provided quality, compassionate care to seniors from Bury and the surrounding community for decades. Following careful deliberation, the Board of Directors supported by the Corporation members, made the difficult decision to dissolve and distribute its remaining assets to organizations that share St-Paul’s mission. Both Grace Village and Wales Home welcomed residents from St-Paul’s when the home closed in 2021, and their foundations will continue to provide quality care for seniors in the Eastern Townships. “When deciding how to distribute the funds, we recognized that both the Wales and Grace Village residences share our commitment to compassionate elder care,” said Marilyn Salter, President of the St-Paul’s Rest Home of Bury’s Board of Directors. “We were also acutely aware of the shortage of qualified health-care workers in our area. The scholarships created through the Lampe Foundation will help local students pursuing careers as doctors, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified caregivers — strengthening care in our community for years to come.”
“We are deeply grateful for this generous contribution from St-Paul’s Rest Home,” said Peter Provencher, President of the Grace Village Care Foundation. “These funds will allow us to continue providing the high level of personal care and comfort that our residents deserve.”
Brendalee Piironen, Executive Director of the Wales Home/CHSLD Wales Inc. and Secretary of the Wales Home Foundation added, “St-Paul’s legacy of compassion and community care will live on through this gift, which directly supports our residents and programs.”
Through the Lampe Foundation a portion of the donations made to the Wales and Grace Village Foundations will provide for nine new recurring scholarships to students pursuing studies in health care fields. Scholarships will be awarded to students from the Eastern Townships, with preference being given to applicants from the MRC Haut St. Francois.
This should help to address the region’s staffing challenges in senior care. Several of the scholarships to be created will be named in honor of individuals who provided support and significant contributions to St. Paul’s over the years, including Dr. Curtis Lowry (the Home’s Doctor for many years), Howard & Dorothy Kennedy (long-term residents and benefactors of the Home), Winnie Buchanan (the first Matron of the Home), and Teressa Weir (the longest serving Matron of the Home).
“For over 33 years, Lampe has offered financial support to students pursuing healthcare careers,” stated Heather Bowman, President of Lampe Foundation. “Many of our scholarship recipients are now serving in local hospitals, clinics, and residences — a testament to the impact of this continued support.”
“On behalf of Grace Village Care, Wales, and Lampe Foundations, we extend heartfelt thanks to the members of St-Paul’s governing corporation for entrusting us with this legacy,” said David Price, past President of the Grace Village Care Foundation. “Their generosity ensures that seniors and healthcare students in our region will continue to benefit for years to come.”
About the Organizations
About Grace Village Care Foundation
The Grace Village Care Foundation (formerly the Dr. W.J. Klinck Foundation) is a registered charitable organization in Sherbrooke, Québec, dedicated to supporting Grace Village, a non-profit seniors’ residence in the Eastern Townships. The Foundation raises funds to enhance infrastructure, purchase equipment, and support programs that promote the dignity, comfort, and well-being of seniors in a safe and caring environment.
Learn more: https://villagegrace.ca/en/the-foundation/
About Wales Foundation
The Wales Foundation supports Wales Home & CHSLD Wales Inc., a private, non-profit retirement and long-term care home located in the Eastern Townships. The Foundation’s mission is to improve residents’ quality of life by funding equipment, facility improvements, and activities that contribute to the comfort and independence of the 200 seniors who call Wales Home their home.
Learn more: https://waleshome.ca/
About Lampe Foundation
The Lampe Foundation is a community-based charitable organization that encourages educational excellence by awarding scholarships to students in the Eastern Townships. Many of its scholarships focus on healthcare and bilingual education, helping local students pursue studies in fields that strengthen and sustain their communities.
Learn more: https://lampefoundation.org/
