About the Foundation

After the sudden loss of Laura, the third of Bob Gainey’s four children, in December 2006, the family decided to honour both Laura and her late mother, Cathy who passed away in 1995, with a foundation dedicated to funding environmental and arts programs for youth. The foundation’s initial goal was met by raising $2 million in its first two years, building a lasting and fitting legacy for these two special people.

Cathy and Laura shared a love of children and a gift for connecting with them. It is, however, Laura’s interests in particular that shape the specific areas that the Gainey Foundation supports.

Laura took a great deal of joy both from exploring her own artistic side and even more from teaching children’s art classes. She found endless inspiration on her long walks through the woods near our home north of Peterborough, Ontario, kayaking along the coast of British Columbia or hiking the jungles of Costa Rica. She believed deeply in environmental conservation and sustainability.

The Gainey Foundation has held fundraising concerts over the years,  in Montreal and in Peterborough. The Foundation is proud to continue allocating grants and hopes to continue its mission for many years to come.