Honouring a Legacy of Community Giving & Kindness: The Fred & Mary Walsh Student Research Award

Fred and Mary Walsh’s commitment to giving back was an integral part of their lives. Known for their kindness and generosity, they devoted much of their time to serving their community. Whether it was providing meals or a bed to those in need, volunteering their time, or making quiet contributions to charitable organizations, they always found ways to help. Their devotion to helping others didn’t end with their passing; rather, it has grown stronger with the creation of a new student research award that will leave a lasting impact on dementia support and research in Nova Scotia.

In 2010, Fred was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, which deeply affected both him and his family. Mary believed that supporting ongoing research could not only improve the lives of those living with dementia but also offer hope to families and caregivers affected by the disease. After Mary’s passing in 2022, her dedication to furthering dementia research remained unwavering. As part of her and Fred’s estate, Mary made a generous contribution to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia with the specific wish of funding research in the area of dementia.

The result of their significant contribution is the Fred and Mary Walsh Student Research Award, which officially started accepting applicants in December 2024. This new award will help provide scholarships for researchers studying dementia. The award will support ongoing advancements in the field, enabling continued progress over time

This award is a unique opportunity for individuals who are dedicated to advancing dementia research and improving the lives of those impacted by the disease. The award aims to foster new ideas and bring innovative projects to life, ensuring that the memory and legacy of Fred and Mary Walsh will continue to inspire positive change for years to come.

Applications for the Fred and Mary Walsh Research Award are currently open until March 30, and researchers with a passion for improving the understanding of dementia are encouraged to apply. Through this initiative, the Walsh family’s belief that giving back truly makes a difference continues to resonate, making a powerful impact on the future of dementia research in Nova Scotia.