NOSM University receives $500,000 gift from Marcel and Frances Labelle Foundation

“We are so grateful to the Marcel and Frances Labelle Foundation for their continued vision, generosity and support,” says Dr. Sarita Verma, President, Vice Chancellor, Dean and CEO of NOSM University. “Truly, they are investing in a healthier future for all Northern Ontarians.”

The foundation, created by celebrated Cochrane, Ontario philanthropists Marcel and Frances Labelle, has a history of supporting health and education in Northeastern Ontario. Notably, the Foundation made a naming gift in 2022 which helped to realize the creation of the Labelle Innovation and Learning Centre at Health Sciences North in Greater Sudbury, an integral partner to NOSM University.

“It’s an honour to play a part in the development of doctors to the benefit of citizens of northeastern Ontario,” says Ehor Bobby, President, Marcel and Frances Labelle Foundation.

“This foundation understands that students from Northern Ontario are more likely to stay to practise in the North,” continues Dr. Verma. “It equally understands that Northern health care is a complex ecosystem, and that many stakeholders must invest wisely to make it work. Backing our students is always a wise investment.”

The Marcel and Frances Labelle Endowment Fund will support up to three eligible medical students annually, beginning this year, at a minimum of $10,000 per year.

Since 2005, NOSM University has been delivering on its mandate. It has graduated 838 MDs, 65 of whom are Indigenous, and 171 of whom are Francophone. More than half of NOSM graduates have stayed in Northern Ontario. NOSM University estimates that about 400,000 people have been helped so far by a graduate.

NOSM University has embarked upon a mission to raise the first $50 million for its Student Endowment Fund. Read more about that effort here.