The Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons (CFPDP) has announced a generous CAD$1.3 million donation from the Shah Family Foundation to create 13 endowment funds aimed at supporting university and college students with disabilities. This donation marks a significant step in advancing educational equity and providing greater access to opportunities for students facing physical challenges.
The Shah Family Foundation, established by Indian immigrants Kris and Neelam Shah in 2022, is dedicated to making a meaningful global impact through its focus on equitable access to education and healthcare. With a commitment to improving societal outcomes, the foundation has focused its efforts on breaking down barriers for underrepresented communities, particularly those with disabilities.
The donation will directly benefit students by establishing 13 individual endowment funds, each aimed at providing financial support for tuition, academic resources, and other educational needs. The funds will be named in honor of Vim Kochhar, the founder and volunteer CEO of CFPDP, whose tireless work over the past four decades has been instrumental in improving accessibility and opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Canada. Kris Shah, the president of the Shah Family Foundation, expressed his pride in supporting such a transformative initiative, saying, “We are deeply honored to contribute to advancing equity, accessibility, and opportunity in education, alongside the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons. By helping students with disabilities achieve their academic goals, we hope to leave a lasting legacy that promotes inclusion, resilience, and progress.”
Neelam Shah, co-founder of the foundation, also shared her excitement for the collaboration. “Our work with CFPDP aligns perfectly with their mission to build academic pathways and leadership opportunities for students with disabilities. Together, we aim to create a positive and lasting impact that will benefit individuals and communities across Canada for generations.”
The endowment funds will be integrated into CFPDP’s “A Seat at the Table” (SATT) program, which is dedicated to creating long-term educational opportunities for students with disabilities across all of Canada’s provinces and territories. The initiative reflects the organizations’ shared vision of making education more accessible and inclusive for everyone, regardless of their physical challenges. Vim Kochhar, who has led CFPDP for over 40 years, was deeply moved by the Shah Family Foundation’s commitment to this cause. He remarked, “It is inspiring to see visionaries like Kris and Neelam investing in the future of students with disabilities. Their contribution is empowering students to become the executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders of tomorrow.”
This donation will not only support the students directly but also encourage institutions to match the funds, ensuring that more students will benefit from this generous initiative. In addition, CFPDP will contribute 10 percent to the total donation, further boosting the overall impact. This means the total value of the funds will rise to CAD$2.82 million, creating an even greater opportunity for students to pursue their academic dreams.
The Shah Family Foundation’s donation highlights the growing recognition of the need to level the playing field for students with disabilities. Education remains one of the most powerful tools for social and economic mobility, and this contribution will ensure that students with physical disabilities can access the same opportunities as their peers. his initiative comes at a time when there is a growing call for more inclusive educational practices across Canada and around the world. By providing financial assistance and resources to students with disabilities, the Shah Family Foundation and CFPDP are helping to break down barriers that often prevent these individuals from succeeding in higher education.
As part of the long-term vision for the funds, the Shah Family Foundation and CFPDP are working to create a network of support for students that goes beyond just financial assistance. This includes mentorship, career development, and opportunities for students to connect with others who share similar experiences. The goal is to help students not only succeed academically but also to thrive in their professional and personal lives.
Through these combined efforts, the Shah Family Foundation and CFPDP are setting an example for other organizations and individuals to follow. Their work serves as a reminder that when communities come together to support those who face the greatest challenges, they help create a more equitable and inclusive society for everyone.
The Shah Family Foundation’s donation is an inspiring example of how philanthropy can make a difference in the lives of individuals who have often been overlooked in traditional educational systems. By providing the resources and support needed for students with disabilities, they are helping to create a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
