The Community Foundation receives bequest of over $3 Million from the estate of
Dr. David and Mrs. Shirley Hughes
Community Foundation Executive Director Charleen Davidson with a photo of Dr. David and Mrs. Shirley Hughes.
Lethbridge, AB (Monday, June 15, 2026) Today, the Community Foundation announces the Dr. David and Mrs. Shirley Hughes bequest of $3,191,289 in support of charitable organizations, projects, and activities in Southwestern Alberta that focus on developing youth leadership and enriching the lives of young people.
Originally from Calgary, the Hughes moved to Lethbridge in 1960 to raise their three children: Brenda, Michael, and Gail. David was a chartered accountant who served as President and CEO of Canbra Foods. Shirley was a loving wife and devoted mother whose children were always her top priority. In retirement, the couple enjoyed travelling the world together and spending time with friends and family. Shirley passed away on March 13, 2024, and David passed away on October 3, 2024.
Strong advocates for youth leadership, the Hughes played a critical role in launching the Community Foundation’s Youth in Action grant program, which empowers young people to be leaders and have a positive impact on the community. “David and Shirley were passionate about encouraging youth leadership,” said Community Foundation Executive Director, Charleen Davidson. “They also wanted to introduce youth to philanthropy, believing that if youth benefit while they are young, they will be more inclined to give back themselves when they are in a position to do so in the future.”
David and Shirley were well known for their generosity and commitment to community through volunteering and financial contributions. They supported many local organizations including the University of Lethbridge, the Community Foundation, St. Augustine’s Parish, Kinsmen and Kinette clubs, the Rotary Club of Lethbridge, and the YMCA of Lethbridge.
“Giving back for David and Shirley was never about recognition or having their name on a building,” said Davidson. “They were firm believers that ‘to whom much have been given, much is expected.’ They believed that helping others was the best source of happiness. They also believed that it was important for the community to know that they were donors, because they wanted to inspire others to give.”
In 2000, they established the Dr. David W. and Shirley M. Hughes Fund at the Community Foundation and selected the grant recipients during their lifetime. The Hughes bequest will support their fund. At present, the recipients of this fund will be determined through the Community Priorities Grants program: When charities working with youth apply to this program, the volunteer review committee can choose to recommend to the Board of Directors that it support an application with a grant from the Hughes’s Fund. Earlier this spring Woods Homes and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lethbridge and District both received a grant from the Hughes’s Fund.
“Because David and Shirley were known for their generous support of the community,” said Davidson. “We felt it important to let the community know that they made the choice to leave a gift in their Will that will ensure that they continue to give back to community – forever.”
