It is with heavy hearts that we fondly remember our friend and colleague Sara McDonald who passed away peacefully on February 1, 2022. She deeply impacted our lives and our community, and her contributions will be long lasting.
Sara was an integral member of the Institute is our early years as the Centre for Inclusion and Citizenship. Her contributions were many and she shined as the Project Coordinator of our Home Share Research Project (2010 – 2016) and then as our Special Project Coordinator at UBC Okanagan from 2013 – 2016.
Prior to officially joining our team, Sara founded Cool Arts Society in Kelowna and completed her Masters degree at UBCO with a thesis focusing on adults with intellectual disabilities and fine arts.
We also remember Sara as a mom, a fierce advocate for her son and a pioneer in supporting people with disabilities to have a home of their own.
It was not surprising that while living with ALS these past 2 years, Sara tirelessly advocated for improved care and access to treatment options for others living with ALS.
Her actions and advocacy in the community living and ALS sectors leaves a legacy that will be benefit future generations. If you’d like to honour Sara’s legacy, please consider making a donation to an ALS or Community Living organization of your choice.
Remembering her endless creativity, commitment to disability justice and her infectious smile, we extend our love to her family, many friends and colleagues.
Flags at UBC Okanagan will be lowered on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 in memory of Sara.
Obituary Sara McDonald
Sara McDonald: A tribute
Kelowna ALS advocate passes away ‘at time and place of her choosing’