Labdara Foundation
The Labdara Foundation is a registered Canadian charity (Business No. 118987775 RR 0001) operating in Ontario. Established in August 1977, it owns and operates the Labdara Lithuanian Nursing Home, a 90-bed long-term care facility in Toronto[1][4]. The foundation focuses on providing culturally sensitive care to seniors, emphasizing the preservation of Lithuanian language, traditions, and customs[2][5].

Mission and Operations

The organization’s mission centers on delivering high-quality care that upholds residents’ dignity, rights, and holistic needs. This includes fostering environments that address physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being through structured activities and personalized care plans[2][5]. Governance is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors, elected annually at the foundation’s membership meetings[1].

Community and Impact

Labdara Foundation emphasizes community involvement, relying on volunteers and donor support to maintain its operations. It offers scholarships to students and publishes quarterly newsletters detailing facility updates, resident activities, and sector trends[4][5]. The nursing home, which admitted its first resident in June 2002, is recognized for prioritizing culturally tailored care within Toronto’s long-term care landscape[1][2].

Governance

The Board of Directors for 2024–25 includes Zita Bersėnas-Cers (Chair), Daina Kalendra (Vice-Chair), Audronė Butrimas (Treasurer), Dalia Rocca (Secretary), and members Ramunė Čygas, Algimantas Nakrošius, and Gabrielė Zitikytė[1].

Charity classifications categorize the foundation as an organization dedicated to relieving poverty and enhancing quality of life for seniors[3]. Its programming adheres to standards monitored through internal quality assurance initiatives[5].