Donors can double the financial impact of their donation in the United Way Southern Vancouver Island’s springtime mental health campaign.
Between an anonymous donor and Knappett Projects, donations up to $17,000 will be matched to help fund those programs, the local United Way said in a news release.
“We cannot afford to dismiss mental health challenges as figments of imagination or personal weaknesses,” executive director Erika Stenson said. “These struggles are real, complex, and deserving of empathy and support, like any other medical condition, so let’s create a society where seeking help for mental health is not only accepted but encouraged.”
Even the campaign title, “It’s All in Your Head,” aims to foster open conversations and promote access to life-changing resources and practical programs.
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Mental health issues affect millions of individuals, families and communities and spring campaign supports a region-wide network of agencies that provide immediate relief — and work on long-term, sustainable solutions — for people dealing with mental health and addictions challenges.
The local United Way currently supports 31 mental health and addictions programs run by local agencies — from Sooke to Oak Bay to Salt Spring Island — including the Greater Victoria Social Gathering Place.
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“We foster a community built on the transformative power of social connection and shared experiences, providing a lifeline for those navigating the complexities of mental health challenges,” Gathering Place executive director Natalie Senik said.
“Through our low barrier events, we witness individuals reclaiming their sense of belonging, finding solace in mutual understanding, building supportive peer relationships and engaging in meaningful activities that promote healing and growth. Working with great organizations like United Way, we are empowered to expand our reach and deepen our impact, strengthening the vision that no one should face mental health challenges alone.”
The campaign ends April 12; donations are doubled to the end of March.
Learn more at uwsvi.ca/itsallinyourhead.
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