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 Centre for Addictionand Mental Health |
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Clients are asking...BreakthroughWinter 2005 What is the role of the CAMH Foundation? The CAMH Foundation raises funds in support of the mission of CAMH, which is to improve the lives of those affected by addiction and mental health problems and promote the health of people in Ontario and beyond. How do we do this? We raise money in a variety of ways, including direct mail, which can reach thousands of people each year, and special events held by volunteers on behalf of CAMH. These range from golf tournaments to art shows to bake sales. We also build relationships with people and organizations who make significant gifts to support specific CAMH priority projects and programs. Over the years we have attracted many supporters. Perhaps you, or one of your friends or family members or a neighbour is a supporter of the CAMH Foundation . We know that our cause has attracted such well-known leaders as the Honourable Michael Wilson, former federal finance minister, the Honourable Bob Rae, former Premier of Ontario, hockey legend Ron Ellis, and Rona Maynard, former editor of Chatelaine Magazine. The Foundation also generates awareness and recognition for CAMH and its work through initiatives such as the Courage to Come Back Awards, discussed in this issue. The Honorary Patron of CAMH, The Honourable James Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, received this award in 2004 for his openness about his own depression. He is also featured in the CAMH Foundation's Transforming Lives marketing campaign that further raises awareness of this world-class healthcare organization while reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction. Right now we are in the early stages of the Transforming Lives Campaign to support the Queen Street site redevelopment - the most ambitious fundraising campaign ever undertaken in Canada in support of mental illness and addiction. How have donors' gifts helped? Donors to the CAMH Foundation have improved the lives of clients in many ways through their gifts - large and small. The wonderful things made possible by our donors are numerous, but here are just a few examples:
Our donors give a total of about $6 million each year, which helps clients through initiatives in research, care, education and health promotion. What are the challenges facing the CAMH Foundation?
Stigma is our biggest challenge. Over the years, the stigma that society attaches to mental illness and addiction has made it challenging to attract people to our cause, either as volunteers or as donors. People have been reluctant to attach their name to our cause, for fear of creating the impression that they or someone in their family has a mental illness or an addiction. In 1986, Arnie Cader, a volunteer with the former Clarke Institute of Psychiatry , tried to establish a charitable foundation for the hospital. One of his greatest challenges was finding people willing to associate their name with our cause. It took quite some time to find 15 people willing to be on the Board and put their name on our letterhead. Attitudes are changing. Today we list hundreds of supporters, individuals, corporations, and foundations in our annual report. Many are willing to proclaim publicly their support for our case. Moreover, many individuals are wearing the CAMH Foundation's Awareness Bracelet . The public statement of support made by wearing this bracelet is worth much more than the $2 donation given to obtain it. For more information about the bracelets, please call Anne-Marie Enns at 416 535-8501 ext. 6169 or visit www.camh.net/foundation. The heavy stigma attached to mental illness and addictions has also meant that these causes have not enjoyed the same history of philanthropic support as other causes. But two recent gifts to CAMH signal a dramatic change in this trend. Arthur and Sonia Labatt and the Beamish Family, through the WB Family Foundation, have each given $5 million - the largest gifts in CAMH's history. The gifts will help transform CAMH's Queen Street site into a hospital for the 21st century. Together we are making tremendous strides. How can I help? Make a gift:
Every gift, large or small, is appreciated, and every gift is a victory in our fight against the stigma of addiction and mental illness. |
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Last updated: May 02, 2006 3:49 PM Published: November 21, 2008 3:30 PM ID#18960-R |