Bell Charity Golf Gala Raises Over $25,000 For Children’s Mental Health Unit at NBRHC

Rain or shine, golfers and sponsors came together at the Osprey Links Golf Gala, presented by Bell FibreOP, to raise more than $25,000 to support Child and Adolescent Mental Health at North Bay Regional Health Centre.

“We are pleased to hear that because of community support and leadership at the Health Centre the six bed Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit opened on April 1st.  This initiative perfectly aligns with Bell’s values to increase awareness, accessibility to care and eliminate stigma.  We are delighted our one-day golf tournament can have an impact on that goal,” says Peter Dilworth, Vice President of Finance and Chief Procurement Officer, Bell Aliant.

Paul Heinrich, NBRHC President & CEO, says they are grateful to Bell, Osprey Links and all the golfers who braved the wet weather and came out to play and support this program.  “Your partnership is crucial for the Health Centre to be able to provide youth in Temiskaming, Parry Sound, Muskoka and Nipissing Districts with high quality specialized mental health care.  Their lives depend on it.”

Mental illness in youth is the most disabling group of illnesses worldwide. It is estimated that 10 to 20 per cent of Canadian children are affect by mental illness. Mental illness can be treated effectively and yet, only 1 in 5 children and adolescents that need this care receive it.

Dr. Joseph Madden, pediatrician, shared the philosophy and vision for caring for youth with mental illness.  “Our youth wish to be seen for who they really are as a person, full of imagination and creativity, joy and hope.  The future is theirs to live and dream. We place the child at the centre of our Community, to support and guide them on their journey to becoming a successful adult, for future generations. Helping children and families, at the right time and the right place, is the foundation of a strong community. Self respect is restored, and with it the child’s trust and belief, in their place in the present, and in the future to come.”

“We thank Bell, Osprey Links, sponsors and all the volunteers that came out on a very wet day and still had fun while raising funds and awareness around this mental health service for youth. Community support is essential for the health centre to be able to provide more advanced levels of care, beyond government funding,” shared Tammy Morison, President & CEO of the NBRHC Foundation.

The new Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit serves a population of over 42,000 children ages 0 to 18 and represents 34 percent of all children and adolescents in the region of northeast Ontario. Creating this therapeutic environment costs $600,000 and will provide families with increased access to the mental health services they need closer to home.

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Photo:

Peter Dilworth, Vice President of Finance and Chief Procurement Officer, Bell Aliant
Mike Harris, Honourary Chair, Bell Charity Golf Gala
Peter Minogue, President, Osprey Links Golf Club

Contact:

Tammy Morison
President & CEO
NBRHC Foundation
705-495-8125