$10,000 being donated to three non-profits as part of campaign co-created by youth
March 3, 2022 – A new campaign will see a total of up to $10,000 donated to three non-profit organizations as part of a project to increase understanding and awareness of youth substance use in the midst of BC’s toxic drug crisis. The campaign was co-created by CMHA BC and a youth advisory committee and asks people to vote to donate to one of three non-profits: Victoria Youth Empowerment Society, Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre, or John Howard Society of North Island.
The idea for the donation came from the youth. “The youth advisory committee told us they are much more likely to engage with social media posts that help others, and suggested having a donation as part of the campaign,” says Pamela Findling, Senior Manager, Communications, CMHABC. “We loved this idea and wanted to give people the opportunity to impact how our $10,000 donation gets distributed among three non-profits who are making a difference in their communities.” Each non-profit will receive at least $2,500, and votes will earn them an additional $5 each until the $10,000 total is reached.
The campaign theme is “More than the substance” and includes a series of statements to help de-stigmatize substance use and dispel common myths. “Substance use in youth—as it is for all of us—is often misunderstood,” says Jonny Morris, CEO, CMHA BC. “The reality is, we never know what is going on in a youth’s life that’s leading them to use substances. As family members, friends, and caregivers, our role is to being caring and compassionate without judgement. There’s lots of great information and resources out there to learn more ourselves, and to reach out for help if needed.” More information, resources, and sources for help can be found at MoreThanTheSubstance.ca
The campaign runs until June 30 and can be found on CMHA BC’s social media channels at:
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- #MoreThanTheSubstance
- Instagram: @cmha_bc
- Facebook: @ CMHABCDIVISION
- Twitter: @CMHABC
- LinkedIn: CMHA BC
About the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
CMHA is Canada’s most established mental health charity and the nation-wide leader and champion for mental health. CMHA helps people access the resources they need to maintain and improve mental health, build resilience, and support recovery from mental illness. Each year in BC alone, CMHA serves more than 100,000 people across the province. For mental health and addiction information and resources visit cmha.bc.ca
Media Contact:
Pamela Findling
Senior Manager, Communications, CMHA BC Division
P: 604-349-4574
E: pamela.findling@cmha.bc.ca