The Kaiser Foundation Closes its Doors

For Immediate Release
February 27, 2012

Vancouver – With the recent passing of the Kaiser Foundation’s Chairman and CEO, Edgar F. Kaiser Jr., the Kaiser Foundation’s Board of Directors announced today that the Foundation will wind down operations effective March 31, 2012.

Recognized for its work and dedication to improving the lives of Canadians who suffer from mental illness or addiction, the Kaiser Foundation was created more than 26 years ago to raise awareness and understanding of mental health and addictions and to decrease the stigma often associated with them.“The sudden loss of the organization’s founder Edgar Kaiser has dealt an irreparable blow to the viability of the Kaiser Foundation,” said Bill Wilkerson, Foundation Board Director. “Edgar raised the money, sustained the vision and oversaw daily operations, with the invaluable support of dedicated staff, volunteers and board of directors.”

“The Board’s decision to close the Foundation’s doors was a very difficult one and one we did not make lightly,” added Hans Krutzen, Vice Chair of the Kaiser Foundation Board. “However, without Edgar’s leadership, energy and powerful commitment it was felt that the operations of the Foundation could not continue.”

Over the years the Foundation supported numerous innovative programs and initiatives to support mental health and addictions across the country, including the National Awards for Excellence Program which acknowledged and celebrated the extraordinary work being done in this field by individuals, community groups and the media.

The Board is committed to finding an appropriate way to pay tribute to its founder and leader, a great man whose generosity of spirit has made a difference in the lives of so many.

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our many supporters, partners and friends of the Foundation for their ongoing support and commitment to excellence in this field. Edgar Kaiser was always the first to acknowledge the Foundation could not have done the work it did without all of you,” continued Krutzen.

For more information, please contact:
Kaiser Foundation
604-904-9994
www.kaiserfoundation.ca