Polly Buchanan Deaf Legacy Fund

Honouring a Life of Connection, Community, and Deaf Culture at
Northwood

For more than 20 years, Polly Buchanan made Northwood her home. She
was not only a cherished resident, but also a proud and active member of
the Deaf community. With the supports and programs available at
Northwood, Polly was able to remain connected to her language, her culture,
and her community throughout her time in care.

Polly passed away on January 11, 2024, yet her spirit of connection,
advocacy, and belonging continues to inspire.

In her memory, Polly’s family established the Polly Buchanan Deaf Legacy
Fund—a dedicated fund that strengthens and expands Deaf-inclusive
programs at Northwood. Its purpose is to ensure that Deaf and hard-of-
hearing residents can continue to communicate, participate fully, and truly
Live More.

Polly’s Legacy

Polly will always be remembered for her warmth, her humour, and her deep,
lifelong commitment to the Deaf community. Even during her time in long-
term care, she remained actively engaged and connected—a reflection of
both her remarkable resilience and the vital role of Deaf-centered supports at
Northwood.

Her family’s hope is heartfelt and clear:
that Deaf residents and clients at Northwood will always have meaningful
access to the communication tools, culturally responsive programs, and
inclusive environments they need to feel respected, understood, and truly at
home.

What the Fund Will Support

The Polly Buchanan Deaf Legacy Fund will enable Northwood to:

• Enhance Deaf programs and services, ensuring residents remain connected to Deaf culture, language, and community.
• Expand communication access through initiatives such as sign language interpretation, visual communication tools, and Deaf-friendly environmental design.
• Strengthen education and awareness, helping staff, residents, and families better understand Deaf culture, identity, and accessibility needs.
• Create meaningful opportunities for connection, including Deaf social groups, events, and activities that reduce isolation and celebrate the richness of Deaf culture.

As the fund grows, its impact will grow too-advancing innovative, Deaf-inclusive care throughout the Northwood community.

Why This Fund Matters

For Deaf residents, access to language and communication is not optional—it is essential. It is dignity, connection, and belonging.

Polly’s life at Northwood demonstrated what becomes possible when Deaf residents are fully supported: they engage more actively, experience less isolation, and can express their stories, needs, and joys in their own language.

By contributing to the Polly Buchanan Deaf Legacy Fund, you are:

• Honouring Polly’s memory and the profound impact she had on her family, friends, and community.
• Ensuring Deaf residents—now and in the future—are respected and included.

Strengthening Northwood’s leadership in providing accessible, culturally rich, Deaf-inclusive care.

How You Can Help:

You can help carry forward Polly’s legacy by supporting the Polly Buchanan Deaf Legacy Fund:

🔹 Make a one-time contribution

🔹 Set up a monthly gift in Polly’s honour

🔹 Give in memory or celebration of someone you love

🔹 Share this fund with others who believe in Deaf inclusion and dignified aging

“Polly’s legacy is one of connection and community. Your gift helps ensure that future Deaf residents at Northwood will always feel seen, supported, and never alone in their Deaf identity.”

Donate to the Polly Buchanan Deaf Legacy Fund

Donate to the Polly Buchanan Deaf Legacy Fund

For more information about the fund or to discuss a special gift in Polly’s memory, please contact:
Northwood Foundation
📞 902-454-3069
📧 info@northwoodfoundation.ca

Donations to the Polly Buchanan Deaf Legacy Fund will directly support communication access and culturally responsive programming for Deaf and hard-of-hearing residents at Northwood.

Your generosity honours Polly’s lifelong dedication to connection, inclusion, and dignity. By contributing, you help ensure that every Deaf resident has full access to communication, opportunities to participate meaningfully, and the chance to truly Live More.