A sharp spike in calls to Vernon鈥檚 Crisis Line in March hasn鈥檛 eased up, therefore the Gift of Hope is being sought.
The annual Gift of Hope campaign allows those who are able to financially give to sponsor an individual or a program at the Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon and District branch.
鈥淲e are in a time of great need as this pandemic has negatively affected the mental health of many of us,鈥� executive director Julia Payson said. 鈥淏ut we are here to bring hope and help, and to let our community members know that they are not alone.鈥�
Donations help support local individuals and families across the mental health spectrum, from youth as young as seven to seniors 75 and older.
鈥淥ur team has been dedicated to adapting our programs, including adding new programming over the past nine months to ensure our community continues to receive services and to ensure supports are in place for the increased demand we are experiencing.鈥�
CMHA has received generous support from the community that enabled the organization to tackle the incredible challenges the pandemic brought this year.
鈥淲e have continued to build connections and community for those living with mental health issues and their families who support them. Physical distancing hasn鈥檛 meant social isolation for so many individuals and families in our community,鈥� said Payson.
Community donations help support the Crisis Line, which CMHA Vernon operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round.
Calls to the Crisis Line saw a sharp spike in March due to the pandemic, which carried on throughout the year. By October, calls had doubled from the same time last year.
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Youth education, early intervention and suicide prevention programs are 100 per cent dependent on community support and donations. 鈥淔or those who are able to help financially, we want them to know their donations go a long way,鈥� said Payson.
鈥�$25 can sponsor a mental health education course for low-income parents
鈥� $50 can support a youth or senior to join a mental health fitness course for a month
鈥� $100 can provide a youth with peer support and life skills for two months
鈥� $250 can sponsor a suicide prevention course for parents and caregivers
Donations to CMHA Vernon & District can be made online at www.cmhavernon.ca, or by mail at 3100 28 Ave., Vernon, B.C. V1T 1W3.
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jennifer@vernonmorningstar.com
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