Thanks a Million for 50 Years of Services

(Windsor, ON January 18, 2021)  Today CMHA-WECB officially launched a Million Dollar fundraising campaign in anticipation of an increased need for services given the current and looming mental health crisis – this launch comes at the same time as the Branch celebrates 50 years of service in the WindsorEssex community. What better way to celebrate 50 years than raising funds for continuing the legacy of mental health promotion, education and awareness?

Recent headlines and research are all pointing to serious problems for not only for the vulnerable and marginalized, but also those who may never have considered themselves at risk for anxiety, depression or addictions, says Kim Willis, Director, Communications and Mental Health Promotion. 

“With this current lockdown, the pressures on workers of all kinds – first responders, health care manufacturing, schools, and entrepreneurs to name a few are daunting.  So many people are feeling the strain, “she says.  “As the lead provider of community mental health services, as well as mental health promotion, we know we can’t take our foot off the gas so to speak.” 

To meet the growing needs in our community, CMHA-WECB introduced a Pandemic Response Therapist and Workplace Outreach Worker in 2020 thanks to generous donors. We are offering more webinars and outreach because we know money invested in prevention helps make a difference for those whom addictions, suicide and a whole range of other physical issues have become a reality. 

This Million Dollar campaign is based on a strategy that CMHA developed in early 2020 having been able to safely continue our signature events like the Go Green Golf Tournament while also introducing successful virtual events like Ride Don’t Hide. CMHA-WECB is also fortunate to have the support of committed champions, ambassadors, workplaces, groups and individuals who have been innovative in raising funds through third party events. 

We know we can reach this goal based on the amazing community support that we have received to date.

Over the last 50 years, CMHA-WECB has established several successful partnerships that have allowed us to strengthen mental health and addiction services in our community. Most recently we announced our Entrepreneur On The Front Lines program with the WEtech Alliance to support the mental health of entrepreneurs and small business owners. 

Claudia den Boer, CEO, CMHA-WECB says, “People are struggling in so many areas.  CMHA-WECB is continuing to help people through our mental health programs and our Health Centre, but we know that prevention and education is a necessity during a time when we are not even sure what awaits us next.”

“Our team has led the Sole Focus Project with much success and this “On The Front Lines” Campaign is definitely a success story in the making as we know that the more we can do in prevention and education the better we can handle all the other issues that may arise.”

“As a native Windsorite I’m extremely proud that over the last 50 years, CMHA-WECB has been an invaluable community healthcare provider serving thousands of some of the most marginalized individuals,” says Camille Quenneville, CEO, CMHA Ontario.

“I know they will continue on their successful path of both sustaining and building on a healthy community.  They have been such a valuable part of the Windsor-Essex community and I know their programs and services will continue to assist so many.”

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For more information contact:
Kim Willis, Director, Communications & Mental Health Promotion
Office: (519) 255-9940 x161
Cell: (226) 787-2245
[email protected]