A philanthropic gift from donors Sonia Ruparell-Martinez and Alex Martinez will fund two new youth research programs at the Mary Heersink School of Global Health and Social Medicine.
One program will help young people build health literacy by giving them the knowledge to make informed choices that support lifelong well-being. The second will focus on expanding access to sports and developing strategies to prevent common injuries, especially among children who face higher risks because of social or structural challenges.
At a December event celebrating the investment, the couple shared their perspectives on the impact they hope their gift will have.
“This support will help provide young people the confidence to be active, especially those who face extra challenges,” said Ruparell-Martinez. “Believing in your ability to stay active is one of the most important steps toward lifelong health.”
These research programs will be led by Sonia Anand, associate vice-president of Global Health and the inaugural leader of the Mary Heersink School, supported by a team of researchers.
“Our team is committed to ensuring that children and youth have the resources and support they need to thrive,” said Anand. “We deeply appreciate Sonia Ruparell-Martinez and Alex Martinez’s generosity, which will help us turn knowledge into action and create healthier futures for young people.”
McMaster President and Vice-Chancellor Susan Tighe commended Anand’s research approach as she thanked the donors for advancing McMaster’s leadership in improving youth health and well-being.
“What makes Dr. Anand’s research so remarkable is how she partners with families and children, turning research into something personal and empowering for our community,” said Tighe. “We are grateful to Sonia Ruparell-Martinez and Alex Martinez for supporting her team’s work to remove barriers and improve health for those who need it most.”
The new research programs build on Anand’s Strengthening Community Roots: Anchoring Newcomers in Wellness and Sustainability (SCORE!) study.
SCORE! at McMaster University promotes healthy, active living for newcomer children and families in Hamilton by encouraging physical activity and wellness through a community-driven approach.
By partnering with communities to identify activities that matter most to them, such as gardening or soccer, the study aims to prevent chronic disease, strengthen local connections and create a model that can be adapted for newcomer communities citywide. Initially launched in Hamilton’s Riverdale neighbourhood, the program has now expanded to three of 14 neighbourhoods across the city.
Underscoring its growing impact, SCORE! is funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada, with matching funding from more than 20 partnerships, including the Joyce Family Foundation, the City of Hamilton, Novartis and the Juravinski Research Institute.
That impact is set to grow further with Ruparell-Martinez and Martinez’s commitment to raise $5 million for the SCORE! study, a testament to their strong advocacy for Anand’s work.
“We believe in Dr. Anand and McMaster’s power to transform the future for youth,” said Martinez. “These groundbreaking studies on health literacy and injury prevention will break down barriers for newcomers and help prevent chronic conditions among young people. We’re committed to mobilizing our network to champion SCORE!’s mission and we invite others to join us in creating lasting change by making a donation.”
Paul O’Byrne, vice-president of the Faculty of Health Sciences and dean of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, thanked the couple for their visionary advocacy.
“Sonia Ruparell-Martinez and Alex Martinez’s leadership reminds us of what’s possible when community and research come together,” said O’Byrne. “Their commitment is helping us accelerate discoveries that improve youth health and empower the next generation to reach their full potential.”