Not Your Typical Birthday Party

Most 10 year old boys spend their birthdays running wild with their closest friends, eating cake, and opening piles of presents. Well, there was plenty of cake and running around at Matthew Carter’s 10^th birthday on January 17, but there wasn’t a gift to be seen. The birthday party was different than what most would expect for a 10 year old.  Matthew decided not to ask for gifts this year. Instead, he asked his party guests, and hockey teammates, to donate to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit at NBRHC.

An avid hockey fan and player, Matthew had been watching local OHL Battalion forward Nick Paul at the world juniors in December. Nick scored three goals during the tournament and was celebrated by local and national fans alike, bringing significant coverage to his mental health initiative Points for Paul.

“Points for Paul is making a difference for youth,” says Nick. “I want our fans and followers to celebrate with us each time I score a point by making a donation to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit at the North Bay Regional Health Centre,” he says.

Proof that Paul is having an impact on mental health in North Bay could not be more obvious then at Matthew’s party. As a result of his generous friends and kind offer, Matthew raised over $500!

Matthew Carter isn’t the only Battalion fan jumping on board. McWeeney’s Service Centre has added energy to this initiative, pledging to donate $5 every time Paul scores a point and challenging others meet or beat their contributions.

Congratulations and Happy Birthday Matthew Carter! You are helping children in your community by making sure they have access to mental health care, close to home. Thank you.

For more information about Points for Paul click here