Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care has some big fundraising plans over the next couple of years.
The Penetanguishene facility hopes to raise $500,000 amidst the backdrop of the pandemic during a campaign kicking off this spring.
Adam Chambers, a Waypoint board member who chairs the development committee, said Waypoint is similar to many other hospitals in the province in that it relies on donors to support the needs of the hospital, including capital, equipment and research.
“The level of care we provide and the environment in which we provide it can be significantly improved by the generosity of our donors,” Chambers told MidlandToday.
“We have been very thankful for the support we have received over the years and look forward to continuing to deliver for our clients and improving the mental health of our community.”
As well, he said that in the wake of the pandemic, supporting mental health and addictions care is critical, according to Chambers.
“COVID has turned a much needed spotlight on mental health,” Chambers said. “All of our lives have been impacted this last year and many of us have seen this in our own homes.”
Called ‘Give. So no one gives up,’ the fundraising campaign supports the hospital’s COVID-19 Mental Health Relief Fund and is geared towards supporting improvements to mental health and addictions care.
“Supporting Waypoint means supporting mental health in our community and now is the time to get involved," Chambers said.
While physical distancing is essential in controlling the spread of the virus, people are deprived of social contact and connection. Faced with increased economic hardship, loss, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness, the pandemic is eroding people’s mental health.
“COVID-19 has altered our world markedly,” Waypoint’s psychiatrist-in-chief Dr. Nadiya Sunderji said in a release.
“The mental health burden of the pandemic spans all ages, communities and demographics. As we adapt to this new reality, providing rigorous mental health support is paramount. Multi-disciplinary teams from Waypoint are working tirelessly to find innovative solutions to address this growing demand and respond to these evolving needs.”
And the statistics seem to back up that assertion.
More than three-quarters (78%) of Canadians say their mental health has been impacted by COVID-19 (Ipsos, 2020). As well, almost 75% of Ontarians are experiencing increasing challenges with mental health and substance use during the pandemic.
Chambers said there are many benefits when donating to Waypoint.
“As one of only four standalone mental health hospitals in our province, Waypoint programming is focused directly on addressing the mental health needs of our community and surrounding area,” Chambers said.
“Generous donors know that their support is focused on mental health and those vulnerable among us who have few other options to turn for help.”
Funds raised will be divided between three main areas, according to Chambers.
“Mental health in the community (mindfulness, mental health first aid, enhancing community care),” he said. “Mental health in the hospital (technology, equipment, etc.) and mental health for the future (research, capital renovation, emerging projects).”
Chambers said Waypoint's work in the community covers a large cross-section of area residents.
“Our clients are diverse, representing all walks of life and the care needs also vary considerably,” he said.
“Our care is focused on helping those among us who are society's most vulnerable and often have few options for support and care. Our work in the community is important to ensuring our clients receive the care they need how, when and where they need it.”
To support the COVID-19 Mental Health Relief Fund click here or contact Holly Archer at [email protected].
If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health or addictions issue please visit https://211ontario.ca/, or call or text 2-1-1. If it is an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
