In recognition of a young man who overcame learning obstacles to earn a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, a new memorial trust fund will provide the Toronto public school system with resources to assist other students with learning disabilities.

The Oliver Martin Memorial Trust Fund has been established by the family of Oliver Martin, who was killed in an unsolved shooting in Toronto in June. The fund aims to facilitate the provision of remedial and resource programs in the Toronto public school system to assist students who have been identified as dyslexic.

After being diagnosed with dyslexia as a child, Martin studied prudently and utilized limited school programs in place to help students like him to read, learn and gain confidence. Earlier this year, he had studied diligently and passed the CFA Level-2 exam.

“He was able to counter and manage his dyslexia and grow up to earn a B.Comm., be a magazine publisher, work in the investment industry, and was on his way to becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst,” said Alan Dudeck, Martin’s step-father, in a statement.

The school programs currently in place to help other students are sparse and insufficient, according to Dudeck.

“We have much work ahead of us — all of which will serve to remember and honour Oliver, as well as serving to build on school resources in our city for children with learning disabilities,” he said.

Martin’s former employer, Russell Investments Canada, has been the first to step up to help the cause, donating $20,000 to the fund.

Irshaad Ahmad, president and managing director of Russell Investments, calls Martin an inspiration. “It is important that Oliver’s example of determination and perseverance continues in helping the lives of children with learning disabilities,” he said in a statement.