Walter Schroeder is a McMaster alumnus who went on to create Dominion Bond Rating Service (DBRS), one of the world’s premier bond rating agencies, which he owned and ran for 40 years until selling it in 2014. Rather than retiring, he and his wife decided to devote themselves to philanthropy, establishing the Walter and Maria Schroeder Foundation to support efforts in healthcare innovation, social empowerment, education and food allergy.

“The Schroeder family’s remarkable gift will make an immense difference in the lives of millions of people who are currently living with allergic disease,” says Dr. Paul O’Byrne, dean and vice-president of McMaster’s Faculty of Health Sciences. “We thank the Schroeders for helping us achieve our ambitious goals that will make a sustainable impact today and for generations to come.”

SAIRI gratefully acknowledges support from the following additional organizations:

• Food Allergy Canada
• ALK Abello
• Canadian Allergy Asthma and Immunology Foundation
• Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
• The Zych Family

Further support for the institute comes from:

• Peer-reviewed operating grants obtained by institute members, to supplement existing and initiate new projects
• Research contracts with community, industry and government partners
• Scholarship funding for institute trainees, for salary support
• Funds and facility space committed by McMaster University
• Additional donations and philanthropic gifts secured through the University Advancement Office