Our Work
Transformation often unfolds over years, spanning generations. The Sobey Foundation recognizes the need to look to the future by making lasting contributions that have the power to change lives.
The Sobey Foundation is dedicated to fostering transformative change in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, our home region. Our work is grounded in two key areas: Health and Community.
We believe in the power of collaboration and inclusivity to foster a deep understanding of community needs.
By listening to and learning from those making a difference on the ground, we strive to create opportunities that lead to impactful, sustainable change.
We are gaining the knowledge needed to eventually roll out comparable capacity building strategic plans to other rural communities and small towns across Canada.
Our Focus
The Sobey Foundation is committed to investing in initiatives that have the power to create transformative change in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. Our efforts are rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and a deep understanding of the communities we serve. We believe in listening to and learning from those who work tirelessly to make a difference, and we seek to inspire, engage, and lead in ways that create real opportunities through impactful, enduring change. Our ultimate goal is to apply the lessons learned and experience gained during this five-year pilot to support comparable strategic plans for other small towns and rural communities across Canada.
Health: Building Capacity for Primary Healthcare Delivery
We are committed to supporting initiatives that ensure individuals and families receive the care they require, when they need it. We extend support to strategic programs and projects in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, that focus on enabling timely access to primary healthcare services in order to enhance the well-being of our communities. When we invest in health, we are investing in the future, fostering a robust, resilient society where every individual has access to quality healthcare and the opportunity to lead a healthy, productive life.
Dr. Manal Elmiladi, left, and Dr. Oseme Eriakha are both family physicians at the Westside Health Centre in New Glasgow. Doctors in the region often talk about the camaraderie among the healthcare workers in Pictou County.
Community: Investing in Development to Drive Future Growth
We are dedicated to investing in transformative initiatives that support community development and ensure a sustainable future. We believe that equitable opportunities are the cornerstone of thriving communities, and that initiatives that foster vibrancy and inclusiveness make a real and lasting impact. We listen, learn, and lead by engaging local organizations and community members who are intimately familiar with the challenges and needs of their communities. This collaborative approach ensures that we are providing individuals with the tools they need to build a sustainable and thriving future.
Pictou County’s deCoste Centre for Arts and Creativity, one of rural Nova Scotia’s busiest cultural centres, is undergoing a transformation, thanks in part to The Sobey Foundation’s $2.5 million, five-year funding investment.
