2011 Holiday Greeting

As 2011 draws to an end and we reflect upon the past year, we want our donors and supporters to know they have helped transform the lives of those who struggle with mental health and addiction challenges, through their generous support of the Mental Health Foundation.

This year the Foundation held two very successful fundraising events, Guru Goes Bollywood in June, followed by the Take a Mental Health Break-Fast in September.  Combined, these two events raised over $350,000 in support of addiction and mental health programs and services.

In 2011, initiatives that received funding from the Foundation included the Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) program, recreation programming for patients at Alberta Hospital Edmonton, and state of the art equipment and training for the Operational Stress Injury Clinic in north Edmonton.

We are proud to report that over the past six years, the Mental Health Foundation has raised over $1.5 million to support vital programs and services for those who struggle with addiction and mental health. Some of the initiatives supported by the Foundation in the past include:

• The creation of two mental health classrooms, one at Dan Knott Junior High and a second at St. Elizabeth Elementary School;
• Challenge by Choice Center a community outreach program for youth age 16-24;
• Out of the Shadows Artist’s Collective, a program that provides an outlet for youth and adults living with mental illness to express their artistic talents.

This success would not be possible without the generosity of our many donors and the exceptional leadership they have demonstrated in support of mental health in our community. On behalf of the Mental Health Foundation Board of Trustees a heartfelt thank you!

During the holiday season we are all busy with our own lives, but please take a moment to recognize those in your family and circle of friends, or complete strangers you come across, who may also be facing mental health challenges.  Reach out to them, be a compassionate listener and encourage them to seek help.  Know the power the human spirit has to transform lives.

Wishing you and your family a peaceful holiday season and good mental health in the years to come.

Lindsay Kelly

Chair, Mental Health Foundation Board of Trustee