Three surgeon brothers support local pictou county charities in memory of their father, Nick Williams

Three brothers—Drs. Jason, Dale, and Blair Williams—have come together to honour the memory of their father, Nick Williams, through the establishment of the Nick Williams Foundation. Managing the foundation is a family affair - along with Linda Williams, their mother, Nonie MacLeod, Nick’s sister, and Fraser Keays, Nick’s cousin, they oversee the fundraising and donation of funds in Nick’s memory. 

The foundation recently made an impactful donation of $35,000 to Viola’s Place Homeless Shelter in New Glasgow. The contribution to this charity aligns with the foundation's values, as it not only offers immediate assistance with food and shelter but also empowers individuals to transform their lives through skill-building and support.

The Williams brothers, all accomplished surgeons who grew up in Pictou County, each completed undergraduate degrees at Acadia University before attending Dalhousie University for medical school. Jason became a plastic surgeon and Blair an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, throat physician), both at Nova Scotia Health. Their brother Dale is practicing as an orthopedic surgeon in Hamilton. Their paths were heavily influenced by the qualities they admired in their father who worked in the forest industry, as well as their mother Linda, a teacher. 

"Our dad was very special man. He had an incredible work ethic, a generous spirit, and a knack for connecting with people. Those qualities inspired us to follow a path where we could make a positive impact on others," said Jason Williams.

In 2019, their lives took an unexpected turn when their father was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. The sudden loss prompted the brothers to find a meaningful way to honour his memory and perpetuate his legacy of generosity. 

The Nick Williams Foundation was born from the desire to continue Nick’s spirit of helping others. Donations from friends, family, and well-wishers poured in, allowing the foundation to establish a fund that would go on to support various charities and causes.  They have had overwhelming interest from people who wished to support the foundation. Many people recall how Nick touched their lives, and they are proud to be able to contribute, as a symbol of gratitude for the impact he had on them.

During his life, Nick had a specific focus on helping the most disadvantaged in society, personally giving his time or effort to assist many people, and favouring charities whose funds went directly to those in need within the local community. The foundation, in his name, continues to uphold these priorities.

In addition to the donation to Viola’s Place, the foundation made a major donation of $10,000 to Saint Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation, the place of Nick's birth in 1947 and where he received care during the final stages of his life. Additionally, the foundation has supported several other Pictou County charities.

"Every time we see the Nick Williams Foundation's name associated with positive impacts, it's a reminder that our dad’s spirit is alive and well," shared Jason Williams.

The foundation remains focused on its mission to honour Nick’s life. Through their ongoing efforts, the Williams brothers ensure that their father's spirit of generosity lives on, creating a lasting impact on Pictou County.