The Brenda Strafford Foundation was established in 1975 by Dr. Barrie Strafford in memory of his late wife, Brenda. The Foundation was created to honour Brenda's compassion and desire to give back to her community, creating a lasting legacy in her name.
Over the past five decades, we have grown and evolved in response to the needs of the communities we serve. From our beginnings in continuing care in Alberta, we expanded our work to include international healthcare in the Caribbean, innovation and research, family violence prevention, and support for children, youth and families.
Today, we are building on more than 50 years of experience and partnerships as we enter a new chapter in creating meaningful impact.
More than five decades of growth, partnership and impact have shaped The Brenda Strafford Foundation we know today.
Dr. Barrie Strafford establishes The Brenda Strafford Foundation (BSF) in memory of his late wife, Brenda, with Riverview Nursing Home in Medicine Hat and Bow View Nursing Home in Calgary forming the Foundation's early operations.
Riverview Nursing Home in Medicine Hat is sold, with proceeds used to support BSF's philanthropic work. Bow View Nursing Home in Calgary becomes the Foundation's base.
BSF establishes Institut Brenda Strafford in Haiti, beginning a longstanding commitment to healthcare in the Caribbean.
BSF establishes the Brenda Strafford Chair in Geriatric Medicine at the University of Calgary, followed by the Brenda Strafford Chair in Alzheimer Research (1997), the Brenda Strafford Chair in the Prevention of Domestic Violence (2007), and the Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging (2011).
BSF opens Wentworth Manor and establishes the Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and The Brenda Strafford Centre, a second-stage shelter for women and children leaving emergency shelters. In 2010, the Centre relocates and expands to include progressive housing.
BSF supports the opening of Brenda's House with the Children's Cottage Society, providing emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness. In 2025, shelter operations transition to Inn from the Cold, and BSF begins exploring new opportunities for the site to continue creating community impact.
BSF expands its continuing care presence with Clifton Manor (2010), Tudor Manor (2012), Cambridge Manor (2020) and Clifton House (2022), growing to five communities across Calgary and Okotoks.
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The Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence merges with BSF and becomes Heart Home Network.
The Dr. Barrie Strafford Centre for Learning, Innovation & Quality launches to advance innovation, quality improvement and research.
BSF marks 50 years of service, partnership and community impact.
BSF's continuing care communities transition to Optima Living, marking a new chapter in the Foundation's history. Building on five decades of experience and partnerships, BSF continues its work through strategic philanthropy, partnerships, innovation and research.
Our Future
For more than 50 years, BSF has evolved in response to the needs of people and communities. While how we create impact continues to change, our commitment to preserving dignity, pursuing happiness and helping people live life to the fullest remains at the heart of our work.