Donor Spotlight: The Scott Garland Foundation is Matching Your Donations!
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
Thanks to the generosity of The Scott Garland Foundation, every gift made from now until August 31, 2026 will be matched up to $20,000!
To double your impact, please go to candacehouse.ca/donate
Scott Garland was a loving son, brother, nephew, and grandson - an amazing athlete, an animal lover, and a bright and compassionate lawyer. Born and raised in Ontario, he focused his undergraduate studies on international human rights law. He later pursued his law degree at Queens University and received an award for his summer work as a Debwewin Summer Law Student at Nokiiwin Tribal Council in Thunder Bay, where he took pride in providing a public legal education session on An Act Respecting First Nations, Métis and Inuit Children, Youth, and Families.
He had just begun a brilliant career as a lawyer at McCarthy, Hansen and Company (MHC) when Scott passed away from a sudden cardiac arrhythmia at 27 years old.
Scott had many passions - he loved nature, poetry, reading, cooking, and collecting vinyl. He was a strong athlete, playing rugby and hockey through his life, and adored his rescue dog, Mango. His commitment to human rights and animal rights was unparalleled. Scott was known for his innate empathy, dedication, and consideration of vulnerable people in the law. His ability to “see the way” through a problem made him a very special person and lawyer.
Growing up, Scott became close with Mitch Bourbonniere, a community activist in Winnipeg and lifelong friend of Scott’s father, Ross. As a mentor, Mitch had the honour to watch Scott grow to be the kind, loving man he was, including collaborating together around his vision to be a champion for Indigenous rights in Canada.
After Scott passed, his parents, Ross and Kim, and his sister, Katie, wanted to find a way to honour his life and the causes he was passionate about. In early 2026, they created The Scott Garland Foundation, dedicated to strengthening the work of charitable organizations that support the rights of vulnerable human beings and animals.
Scott’s parents approached Mitch to get some input on organizations that aligned with Scott’s vision. Mitch immediately thought of Candace House. He knew of Candace House through his community work supporting vulnerable youth in Winnipeg, where many of the Indigenous families he worked with had also received support from us.
"Candace House has been a beacon of hope and support for so many Indigenous families navigating the legal system... [and] the fact that Scott was passionate about Indigenous issues and was making his career in law seemed like such a good fit that Candace House would be one of the recipients of the Scott Garland Foundation."
- Mitch Bourbonniere
Mitch connected the Garlands with Candace House, and on a visit to Winnipeg, Ross was able to see first-hand the calming, home-like space where countless families can feel safe and supported amidst the traumatizing legal system.
He learned that our work is to ensure that every family impacted by homicide, regardless of background or status, finds a place of belonging here. While we have worked with families from all backgrounds, in Manitoba, Indigenous families are disproportionately impacted and face unique barriers within the justice system, at times leading to more challenges and marginalization.
Candace House’s vision and mission to support those most vulnerable aligned in exactly the ways Ross and Kim were championing in memory of Scott.
What began as a dream out of Cliff and Wilma Derksen’s pain has become a place where thousands of people profoundly affected by homicide have found safety, understanding, and care. Candace’s legacy continues on in the resilience, strength, and love shared by all who find a place of comfort within these walls, in a similar legacy that the Garland’s hope for their son Scott.
"Scott’s life was a gift and it is the Garland family’s promise and mission to continue championing the causes that he was so passionate about."
- The Garland Family
Candace House is grateful for the opportunity to honour Scott's legacy and story by amplifying the generosity of our community. Together, we will carry on his life goal of supporting vulnerable people in the work we continue to do -- where every family finds comfort, community, and support while they navigate the lifelong impacts of homicide.
To double your impact, please go to candacehouse.ca/donate
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