The Burnaby Centre for Mental Health and Addiction Christmas Stocking Fundraiser

Mental health is a cause that is near and dear to my heart. It’s a topic that continues to be stigmatized yet mental illnesses are pervasive in Canada (statistics show that 1 in 5 Canadians will be affected by mental illness in their life time). That’s 20% for those who are counting. And yet we continue to stigmatize the topic. I take offense with this stigmatization and thus am happy to promote charitable events that are dedicated to bettering the lives of people afflicted with mental illness.

Patti Schom-Moffatt, the general manager of Edelman Vancouver, informed me about the work of the Burnaby Centre for Mental Health and Addiction, and their intention to fill the Christmas stockings of residents this holiday season. I asked Patti to send me some information, which I quote below.

The Burnaby Centre for Mental Health and Addiction is run by Vancouver Coastal Health, has been operating for about two years and serves complex concurrent disorder clients who are challenged by severe mental illness, chronic addiction and significant physical health issues. About 75 percent of residents (it has beds/rooms for 100) were homeless or at significant risk for homelessness prior to being admitted to the Centre.

The clinical program is strength based, which is very unique in Canada. It focuses on what people can do, instead of what they can’t. On their assets rather than deficits. The first 30 days are intense and used to help stabilize the person — go through detox, get their meds right, begin the process of engagement. Then they spend the next many months learning the skills they will need to live as independently as possible once they leave the Centre.

Some will need permanent care. Some will need palliative care because their physical health issues are profound. And some will return to community living with the right supports. Everyone will need some support.

While there are operating dollars available through the health authorities,there are no dollars for things like clothing or in the case of Christmas, gifts. And because of the circumstances of complex concurrent disorders, the majority of residents have lost the support and connection to their families, so they are alone.

Patti mentioned that they’d like to provide a memorable Christmas and are looking for individuals and/or businesses to consider sponsoring the residents. The Centre has 100 residents so need $10,000 or $100/resident. The money would be used to buy them a gift and some warm clothing, pajamas, a sweater, a jacket. The basics. Tax receipts would be available through the Vancouver Coastal Health Foundation.

I would like to encourage my readers to consider donating to this worthy cause.

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