Halifax, NS (November 5, 2026): The IWK Foundation is proud to announce a transformational gift of $1.75 million from The Sobey Foundation to support the expansion of Anchor Youth Space Nova Scotia in Pictou County. Led by the IWK in partnership with local community organizations, these sites connect youth with the right support, at the right time, closer to home.
"Pictou County is where our roots run deep. It is a community we have been part of for generations and one we believe in,” says Frank C. Sobey, Chair, The Sobey Foundation. “By supporting Anchor Youth Space, we're investing in young people and helping create a stronger, more connected community where every youth has the opportunity to thrive."
This remarkable investment reflects the Sobey Foundation's deep commitment to building strong, healthy communities and ensuring young people have access to the care, support, and resources they need to reach their full potential.
Integrated Youth Services sites, also known as Anchor Youth Space, are reimagining how youth connect to mental health and wellbeing services by bringing together a range of supports in a welcoming, youth-friendly environment,” says Margaret Champion, Director, Integrated Youth Services Nova Scotia, IWK Health. “Through this generous gift, more young people and families in Pictou County will have access to timely, integrated services close to home. We are so incredibly grateful for The Sobey Foundation’s vision and commitment.”
Anchor Youth Space is a critical part of the IWK’s Ecosystem for Child & Adolescent Mental Health and Addictions. Each site provides youth aged 12 to 25 years free, one-stop, rapid access to mental health care, addiction support, primary care, vocational services, housing support services, and more. At its core, Anchor Youth Space is about meeting youth where they are — providing timely, coordinated care in a welcoming, community-based setting. It is a shift to an integrated, early intervention model that empowers young people and strengthens entire communities.
“For generations, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pictou County has been helping young people build confidence, resilience, and brighter futures,” says Margie Grant-Walsh, Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pictou County. “Through our role as the lead agency for Anchor Youth Space, we are proud to continue that commitment alongside our partners. We are grateful to The Sobey Foundation for this generous funding specifically for Anchor Youth Space, which is separate from funding for our Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs and operations. This gift will help bring Anchor Youth Space to life and ensure young people have access to the supports they need, close to home.”
The Sobey Foundation has a proud history of investing in initiatives that strengthen the communities where they live. Their support of Anchor Youth Space continues this legacy, demonstrating a commitment not only to services and space, but to the future of youth and caregivers and their ability to reach their full potential, regardless of where they live.
“The Sobey Foundation understands that strong communities are built by investing in people," says Jennifer Gillivan, President and CEO, IWK Foundation. "Their extraordinary generosity will help ensure youth in Pictou County have access to the mental health, wellness, and community support they need, when and where they need them most. We are so privileged to work with The Sobey Foundation on this gift that will have a meaningful impact on the lives of young people and families, both now and for generations to come."
The IWK Foundation is proud to work with the Government of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada, philanthropic partners, and its incredible donor community to help establish eight Anchor Youth Space sites across Nova Scotia.
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About the IWK Foundation
The IWK Foundation is a champion of excellence in women and children’s healthcare and research, and mental health and addictions for children and youth. The IWK Foundation is the primary fundraising organization for IWK Health, working in partnership with IWK Health to support their vision of providing quality care to women, children, youth, and families in our community. The IWK is a national co-owner and partner of Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundations and a member of the national Women’s Health Collective Canada. Visit www.iwkfoundation.org for more information.
About The Sobey Foundation
The Sobey Foundation was established in 1982 by Frank H. Sobey, his wife Irene, their sons Bill, David and Donald and daughter, Dianne. Since then, The Foundation has provided funding to a wide scope of initiatives across a broad geographic range, supporting countless communities and organizations.
Media Contact:
Lesley Gaum
Director, Donor Communications and Impact
lesley.gaum@iwkfoundation.org