Starting over in a new country was daunting, but Aqil managed to build a life filled with love, community, and a sense of belonging. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic struck Toronto, and with it came an unexpected blow: the abrupt end of his committed relationship. “I thought I had found the one, but it was not so,” Aqil shares. “It was heartbreaking, and I felt completely lost.”������

Lockdowns had already deepened his isolation, but this emotional turmoil led him to spiral into psychosis. He was admitted to �������’s Inpatient Psychiatric Unit. For the first time, he understood what was happening to him and found care that not only treated his symptoms, but him as a whole person.��

After discharge, Aqil was referred to , a specialized program that provides care for individuals aged 14 to 35 who suffer from psychosis. “The care I received was life-changing,” says Aqil. “It helped me understand myself in ways I never had before.”��

Aqil forged a bond with his care team, who walked alongside him as he rebuilt stability and his confidence. “The team became a crucial part of my life,” Aqil says. “With their support, I’ve been able to rebuild and move forward.”��

The experience also brought Aqil closer to his family. “This was their first real experience with mental health professionals,” Aqil explains. “It opened a new level of understanding between us. It’s been a journey, but we’ve grown together.”��

Aqil’s piece, “Bloom with Grace Wherever Life Plants You”, is a visual ode to growth and self-love. “Creating art helped me heal,” Aqil shares. “Seeing my emotions take shape on paper was powerful—it gave me a way to express what words couldn’t.”

During his time at Humber, Aqil rediscovered his love of art—a powerful outlet for healing. His piece, is a visual ode to growth and self-love. “Creating art helped me heal,” Aqil shares. “Seeing my emotions take shape on paper was powerful—it gave me a way to express what words couldn’t.”����

Today, Aqil channels his hard-won insights into , a social��impact initiative he founded to support others navigating the difficult transition from hospital to daily life. Through post-discharge care kits, accessible resources, and creative tools, he hopes to make the healing journey less lonely.��

“So many people leave the hospital without knowing what comes next,” Aqil explains. “I want to create something that helps them feel supported.”��

Looking back, Aqil is grateful for the care he received. “Humber gave me the space to reflect and heal,” says Aqil. “I see how much I’ve changed – not only in my recovery but also in the deep empathy I feel for those experiencing psychosis. Healing from it is a tough journey, but with drive and the right support, it’s possible.”��

Mental Health: Equitable Access to Services��

Providing vital Mental Health Support for our community, �������’s Mental Health and Addictions program plays a pivotal role in addressing multifaceted mental health needs and stands as one of the largest in the GTA. Learn more at HealthcareLives.ca

The post Healing Out Loud: Aqil’s Story of Psychosis, Love, and Hope appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

The Child & Adolescent Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic serves as an outpatient service at Humber, providing a lifeline to children, youth and their families who are in urgent need of care during a critical stage of their development.

In an era where mental health challenges among youth are reaching critical levels, �������’s Child & Adolescent Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic (CAUCC) acts as a resource for those in our local population who are suffering.

The CAUCC serves as an outpatient service at Humber, providing a lifeline to children, youth and their families who are in urgent need of care during a critical stage of their development. Young patients who arrive to the Jack & Pat Kay Emergency Psychiatric Unit in ��ܳ������’s Apotex Emergency Department are assessed and referred to the CAUCC should they require tailored outpatient care.

As the demand for mental health services continue to surge, the CAUCC, now in its sixth year, stands as a testament to the power of community support in addressing this pressing issue. , a Psychiatrist who has been part of ��ܳ������’s CAUCC since its inception, has seen first-hand the stark picture of the current mental health landscape for youth within our community.

“The system around us is drowning as we continue managing the mental health repercussions of the pandemic,” says Dr. Holiff. “Our Clinic is helping to fill a gap that has always been present in the community, and despite huge system issues, we are helping to improve lives.”

Despite these challenges, the CAUCC remains steadfast in its commitment to providing timely and comprehensive care to those in need.

“Most mental health concerns begin during adolescence. That’s why being able to help these families at this age is life-changing,” says Dr. Steven Selchen, Chief of Psychiatry at �������.

With the limited availability of primary care in our community and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are seeking help from the CAUCC:

• Nearly 800 Visits to the Child & Adolescent Urgent Care Clinic: Reflecting a substantial increase from previous years, this statistic underscores the pressing need for accessible mental health support in the community.
• Served 154 Individual Patients: Behind each number lies a unique story highlighting the CAUCC’s impact on the lives of children, youth, and their families.
• Over 110 Referrals to the CAUCC: Collaboration lies at the heart of the success of the CAUCC, with referrals pouring in from various sources, both internal and external.

*Data from April 1, 2023-March 31, 2024

, Chief of Psychiatry at �������, emphasizes the importance of a team-based approach in addressing the complex needs of young patients.

“I’ve witnessed first-hand how well the CAUCC team works together to provide care for our young patients,” says Dr. Selchen. “Most mental health concerns begin during adolescence. That’s why being able to help these families at this age is life-changing.”

Looking ahead, the CAUCC remains committed to its mission of providing accessible and compassionate care to those in urgent need within our catchment and beyond.

Support the CAUCC

Through donor support, the CAUCC stands ready to meet the challenges of the future, ensuring that no child or adolescent is left behind in their journey towards mental wellness. Unfortunately, OHIP doesn’t allow for the team-based care that makes this work possible – which is why ongoing support is instrumental in sustaining our efforts. For more information on how to donate, please contact Judene Stewart at justewart@hrh.ca.

The post Spotlight: Child & Adolescent Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

“We’re not just treating mental health issues; we’re ensuring patients and families have access to the care that they need,” says Daniel Tziatis, Program Director for Mental Health & Addictions at �������.

In a community as vibrant and diverse as Northwest Toronto, access to mental health care is more important than ever. ������� is working to ensure those who need it most get the support they deserve.  ��

“We’re not just treating mental health issues; we’re ensuring patients and families have access to the care that they need,” says , Program Director for Mental Health & Addictions at �������. “Our donors have enabled us to build programs and suites of services that allow our patients to access the right service at the right time.” ��

��ܳ������’s Child & Adolescent Urgent Care Clinic��(CAUCC) is a vital resource for young patients in need of urgent mental health support. Fully funded by donors, the CAUCC provides specialized psychiatric care for kids as young as 7 years old. Many arrive from ��ܳ������’s Apotex Emergency Department, facing mental health challenges that require more than standard care. For families in crisis, the CAUCC offers hope, guidance and the care their children need. ��

“Having donors step forward to support programs like Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) makes it accessible to the people of our community in a way that it wasn’t before,” says Dr. Steven Selchen, Chief of Psychiatry at �������.

“Families are so grateful for the CAUCC, as it provides them with access to an interdisciplinary team that works collaboratively with them and their child,” explains Tziatis adding, “They truly appreciate our holistic approach, which goes beyond a single doctor or social worker to deliver comprehensive care and support.” ��

But Humber isn’t stopping there. The hospital is introducing advanced therapies like Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), which helps patients who are battling treatment-resistant mental health disorders. This breakthrough treatment uses magnets to stimulate parts of the brain responsible for mood regulation. rTMS offers renewed hope for vulnerable patients who have not had success with traditional therapies, like medication. �į��

“rTMS is currently out of reach for many patients. It’s either available at private clinics, where patients pay out of pocket, or through limited research programs with strict eligibility criteria,” says , Chief of Psychiatry at �������. “Having donors step forward to support this kind of program makes it accessible to the people of our community in a way that it wasn’t before.” ��

�������’s commitment to patient centred care is reflected in our Mental Health & Addictions program, which focuses on both the quality of care and the interactions that shape it. Every step is guided by an interdisciplinary team dedicated to ensuring patients and families feel seen, supported, and valued. ��

“We are reimagining what mental health care looks like in Ontario,” says Tziatis. “Every program we develop is shaped by listening to the voices of our community and building solutions together.”

Mental Health: Equitable Access to Services

Providing vital Mental Health Support for our community, �������’s Mental Health and Addictions program plays a pivotal role in addressing multifaceted mental health needs and stands as one of the largest in the GTA. Learn more at��HealthcareLives.ca

The post Breaking Barriers in Mental Health with Dr. Steven Selchen & Daniel Tziatis appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

Kaelan’s school councilor referred him to ��ܳ������’s Transitional Day Program. Kaelan finally found the structure and support he needed to focus on his academics and mental health.

When Kaelan first joined Humber’s, he felt overwhelmed-weighed down by anxiety, making the idea of attending high school feel impossible.

The pandemic had only intensified Kaelan’s struggles, isolating him and adding increased social and academic pressures. His family, feeling lost, didn’t know where to turn. Sean, Kaelan’s father, recalls those early days:

“In the beginning, there was a feeling of helplessness. Not knowing what to do, not knowing who to talk to. It was incredibly challenging.”

Fortunately, Kaelan’s school councilor referred him to ��ܳ������’s Mental Health Transitional Day Program. Kaelan finally found the structure and support he needed to focus on his academics and mental health.

With individualized attention, one-on-one interactions and the opportunity to earn his high school credits, Kaelan began to see a path forward. Reflecting on the early days in the program, Kaelan shared,

“The first couple of weeks were a bit difficult, but as I kept going, I got used to it and it felt comfortable. It felt better than my old school. I liked it and started to love it.”

One of Kaelan’s favorite places to spend time was the patient patio—a peaceful outdoor area with gardens, basketball hoops, and other activities woven into the student’s day.

One of Kaelan’s favorite places to spend time was the patient patio—a peaceful outdoor area with gardens, basketball hoops, and other activities woven into the student’s day.

The extended 12-week program allowed Kaelan to progress steadily. Sean shares:

“They were great at putting him at ease, getting him to come inside, getting him to participate at his own pace. They seemed to know him very well—the things that he liked, the things that he didn’t like. They were very personable.”

The program also provided Kaelan’s family with insights and tools to better support him. Sean explained:

“An unexpected benefit of this time spent at Humber was how helpful it was for my wife and I. We learned a lot about how to better manage our behaviours, our expectations, and how to communicate better. We have a better understanding of everybody’s mental health.”

As Kaelan begins his final year of high school, he does so with a renewed sense of calm, rediscovering simple joys, like playing Minecraft and bonding with his kitten.

Sean reflected, “I’m very optimistic seeing how much Kaelan’s improved, seeing him smiling again. As a parent, that’s the best feeling.”

Thanks to the support of our generous donors, Kaelan’s story is just one of many that show how this program transforms lives. Sean expressed his gratitude, saying, “Being able to go to Humber and receive the care that we did—the consistent quality of care, to feel welcome and not be rushed. We’re incredibly grateful that this exists as a resource.”

Mental Health: Equitable Access to Services

Providing vital Mental Health Support for our community, �������’s Mental Health and Addictions program plays a pivotal role in addressing multifaceted mental health needs and stands as one of the largest in the GTA. Learn more at HealthcareLives.ca

The post Mental Health Transitional Day Program: Kaelan’s Story appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

“I am glad donors recognized the need for Humber’s Mental Health Programs and helped bring them about,” says Steven. “I definitely could have benefitted from these earlier in my journey, and I am happy they will be there for others facing the same challenges.”

Steven has been under the care of Psychiatrist Dr. Philip Maerov at ������� since he was a teenager. For more than 30 years, Dr. Maerov’s support has been essential in Steven’s mental health journey and ongoing recovery.

“Since my first visit at Humber, Dr. Maerov has really been there for me. When I was first placed in his care, he sat with me and talked with me. I felt he was really listening and truly understood,” says Steven. “Whenever I’ve needed him, he was there without question.”

Throughout his life, Steven faced numerous challenges. Yet, his determination never wavered. He attended therapy sessions and received crucial family support.

Steven’s mother, a special education teacher, emphasized the importance of their strong support system. “Many parents would have given up, but we persisted. Steven’s journey has been challenging, but our support system has been strong,” says Steven’s mother.

Steven’s mother is equally grateful for the support he received from his team at �������. “To me, Dr. Maerov has been a critical part of Steven’s recovery. He proactively adjusted his medications, referred specialists, and tried new treatments as they became ineffective over the years,” says Steven’s mother. “This support really helped us all.”

Despite significant barriers, Steven excelled academically, earning multiple degrees in liberal arts and community services. Driven by a desire to give back and support marginalized communities, Steven has volunteered at numerous charitable organizations.

“One of my biggest hobbies is giving back. I want to help people because I know how it feels to be down and out,” says Steven.

������� continues to make significant strides in . The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic (CAUCC), which opened in 2018, offers short-term support for children, youth, and families in crisis, aiming to prevent the need for inpatient care through timely intervention and treatment.

������� is also home to the Jack and Pat Kay Emergency Psychiatric Unit, which addresses immediate psychiatric needs and helps stabilize patients in crisis. These donor-funded programs have significantly enhanced the mental health support available in the community.

“Those programs all sound great! I am glad donors recognized the need for them and helped bring them about,” says Steven. “I definitely could have benefitted from these earlier in my journey, and I am happy they will be there for others facing the same challenges.”

Though his journey to good mental health is lifelong, Steven is driven by hope and excitement for the future. Supported by Dr. Maerov, his specialists, and his family, his story demonstrates the vital importance of supporting mental health within our local community.

*Names and photos have been changed for the comfort of patients and their families.

Support the CAUCC

Through donor support, the CAUCC stands ready to meet the challenges of the future, ensuring that no child or adolescent is left behind in their journey towards mental wellness. Unfortunately, OHIP doesn’t allow for the team-based care that makes this work possible – which is why ongoing support is instrumental in sustaining our efforts. For more information on how to donate, please contact��Judene Stewart��at��justewart@hrh.ca.

The post Paying it Forward: Steven’s Story appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

Taking Charge is a 12-week transformative program which aims to empower individuals to reclaim control of their mental health and emotional well-being.

Julinda, a kindergarten teacher and single mother, began experiencing severe stomach issues and debilitating acid reflux in May 2021. Despite her efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle, her physical health deteriorated rapidly, leaving her unable to perform even the simplest tasks.

“I felt defeated from the thoughts of not being able to do all of the things I did before,” says Julinda. “I couldn’t take care of my daughter, I couldn’t work, and I couldn’t clean the house or cook a meal. Everything felt impossible.”

Julinda faced dismissive attitudes and vague explanations during multiple hospital visits and specialist consultations, attributing her symptoms to trauma, depression, or anxiety. Despite skepticism, Julinda tried therapy and medication for anxiety but found no relief. After exhausting local options, she sought help abroad, where a specialist discovered that Julinda had a massive chest hernia.

Physical recovery was only the beginning of Julinda’s healing journey. The trauma of her ordeal left her grappling with depression, anger, and a profound sense of loss. “After my surgery abroad, I was left completely traumatized, depressed, and frustrated,” says Julinda.

In June 2022, Julinda discovered ’s transformative program, Taking Charge, which aims to empower individuals to reclaim control of their mental health and emotional well-being.

“Every time I was at the program, I felt heard and was learning new information on how to deal with different situations in my life,” says Julinda.

“Every time I was at the program, I felt heard and was learning new information on how to deal with different situations in my life,” says Julinda.

Through twelve weeks of intensive sessions, she delved into topics such as behaviour change, emotional regulation, and self-care.

“The program taught me how to create boundaries and learn to select what matters most,” she says. “The team at Humber taught me that taking care of ourselves first is key to be able to start caring for others.”

By August, Julinda felt ready to return to work with a newfound confidence and purpose. “My job has given me so much joy despite the hard work and the challenges we face daily by taking care of children’s different needs,” she says.

To those facing similar challenges, she offers this advice: “No matter how small the steps you take through the journey of healing, those steps will push you to see the light you are searching for.”

Julinda is profoundly grateful for the compassionate care and guidance she received on her mental health journey. Through the support of the dedicated professionals at ��ܳ������’s Taking Charge Program and the power of resilience, she now feels a great sense of purpose and gratitude for her life.

The post Finding Strength and Purpose with Taking Charge: Julinda’s Story appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

That’s why we’re proud to share a major milestone in our mission to redefine community-based mental health care.

Jack & Pat Kay have generously committed $3 million to support �������’s Mental Health & Addictions Program. Their gift, one of the most significant in the program’s history, will empower us to develop and implement advanced treatment options that go beyond the conventional—treatments that hold real promise for patients who need more than standard approaches.

Over the next four years, this donation will support the launch of new interventions like ketamine-assisted treatment and advanced neurostimulation therapies like Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). These approaches, which have been largely limited to private-sector settings, are now poised to become part of an accessible and inclusive model of care—one that meets patients where they are and offers new hope for healing.

“Having donors step forward to support programs like Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) makes it accessible to the people of our community in a way that it wasn’t before,” says Dr. Steven Selchen, Chief of Psychiatry at �������.

“rTMS is currently out of reach for many patients. It’s either available at private clinics, where patients pay out of pocket, or through limited research programs with strict eligibility criteria,” says Dr. Steven Selchen, Chief of Psychiatry at �������. “Having donors step forward to support this kind of program makes it accessible to the people of our community in a way that it wasn’t before.”

The Kays’ vision aligns perfectly with our commitment to personalize mental health treatment. At �������, we recognize that no two patients are the same—and our care should reflect that. By expanding our toolkit with evidence-based, cutting-edge therapies, we can address the unique needs of our community with the dignity and innovation they deserve.

This transformational gift is more than a donation—it’s a catalyst. It will help us chart a path toward more responsive, effective, and compassionate care, ensuring that ������� remains at the forefront of mental health innovation.

As we build the future of community mental health, we are deeply grateful for supporters like Jack & Pat Kay, whose generosity helps us push boundaries and deliver care that truly changes lives.

Mental Health: Equitable Access to Services

Providing vital Mental Health Support for our community, �������’s Mental Health and Addictions program plays a pivotal role in addressing multifaceted mental health needs and stands as one of the largest in the GTA. Learn more at��HealthcareLives.ca

The post $3 Million Transformational Gift for �������’s Mental Health Program appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

Edmund tried to manage it with the support of those around him, but things continued to deteriorate. He began to have thoughts of self harm.

“One of my biggest “aha” moments came with the connections I developed with fellow participants in the day program,” says Edmund. “I came to question why I wasn’t extending the love and sympathy I felt for them to myself. Learning how to do that was a big step forward for me.”

After an emotional phone call with his sister, where he opened up about his mental health, he realized he needed help. A friend took him directly to the Apotex Emergency Department at Humber.

In our Jack & Pat Kay Emergency Psychiatric Unit, Edmund was seen by psychiatrist Dr. Yousef Papadopoulos, who referred him to acute-care therapy. When his short-term therapy had ended, Edmund learned he was a candidate for Taking Charge—a 16-week outpatient program at Humber River Hospital.

“I decided to take a six-month leave of absence from my job—something that was a last resort as I’ve always enjoyed my work and am very career oriented,” says Edmund. “But it was the right decision as I needed the time to focus on getting better.”

Located in a bright space on the Hospital’s fifth floor with an impressive view of the Toronto skyline, the 16-week day program involves one-on-one sessions with psychiatrists and longer group sessions with other people in the program, meant to inform and build community. This sense of belonging in such a diverse group, turned out to be as integral to his recovery process as his psychiatric sessions.

“Knowing that other people are suffering, I feel an obligation to share my story in the hopes that it can help them as well,” says Edmund. “If my story can help even one person realize that this kind of help is available and seek it out, then it’s worth it.”

“One of my biggest “aha” moments came with the connections I developed with fellow participants in the day program,” says Edmund. “I came to question why I wasn’t extending the love and sympathy I felt for them to myself. Learning how to do that was a big step forward for me.”

“Everyone involved in the Taking Charge Program was amazing, including my therapist Amanda and my primary psychiatrist, Dr. Phillip Maerov,” continues Edmund. “Even though the intensity of what I was going through with major depressive disorder and anxiety was scary, they were so experienced and so caring that I felt reassured. I’ll never forget when Dr. Maerov significantly extended one of my sessions when we were making important progress – It showed me how invested he was in my recovery.

Edmund felt scared to return to life outside the program when it ended, but he realized that it had equipped him with the tools and techniques he needed to maintain his progress. He has also kept in touch with a few of his fellow participants who have become an informal support group for each other. Now, Edmund has the same strong family and social networks, is happily married, and still finds his career rewarding and fulfilling. The difference now is that he also feels at peace.

He is forever grateful for the treatment he received from Humber that he has given back as a donor. He wants to help other people by sharing his story, having recently giving a presentation on depression to hundreds of his work colleagues. He hopes that speaking about his experience and treatment will help those who are suffering but are afraid to seek help because of the stigma still associated with mental health issues.

“Knowing that other people are suffering, I feel an obligation to share my story in the hopes that it can help them as well,” says Edmund. “If my story can help even one person realize that this kind of help is available and seek it out, then it’s worth it.”

The post Taking Charge: Edmund’s Journey with Depression and Anxiety appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

This gift was part of an astounding combined $26.5 million donation from The Slaight Family Foundation to 19 organizations with the goal of expanding local mental health services.

The Child & Adolescent Mental Health & Addictions Program at ������� currently partners with Lumenus, a community-based agency providing support through a single part-time Child and Youth Worker, as youth transition from inpatient or day care at Humber into community care services. Previously, budgets have limited the partnership’s capacity to only 45 out of 180 patients in need annually.

The Slaight Family Foundation’s gift will support this crucial partnership for 3 years, providing extended transitional mental health care to the young patients who receive in-patient or day program care at Humber.

The Slaight Family Foundation’s $1.5 million grant to ������� will support this crucial partnership for 3 years, providing extended transitional mental health care to the young patients who receive in-patient or day program care at Humber. Additionally, the grant will allow the program to double the follow-up time for each patient from 6 to 12 weeks, leading to an enhanced continuum of care and improved support during their critical transition period!

“We have found a true partner in Lumenus,” says Sandra Sualim, President & CEO of �������. “We stand united by our shared philosophy of providing a comprehensive mental health “wrap-around” treatment for young patients and their families with a focus on delivering care close to home. Lumenus and �������, together, can ensure a seamless continuum of care that extends beyond discharge.”

For each patient’s treatment, Lumenus and Humber function as a unified organization, with Lumenus staff becoming an integral part of the multi-disciplinary team. The transition Child and Youth Worker is involved right from the initial stages, ensuring a seamless integration of services. This holistic and coordinated approach to patient care maximizes the effectiveness of their treatment journey and facilitates a smoother transition to community-based support.

“Expanding our partnership further will positively impact more youth mental health patients in our community and influence future generations.” says Sandra. “Ultimately, this initiative aims to create a more resilient and empowered youth population, positively influencing not only their immediate mental health needs but also their long-term well-being.”

Thanks to the generous support of The Slaight Family Foundation, we can offer all of our most vulnerable youth an opportunity for a healthier outlook on life, while also providing a well-defined plan of action for accessing essential resources, outreach programs, and ongoing support.

The post ������� and Lumenus Expand Youth Mental Health Services with Slaight Family Foundation Donation appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

A major component of this initiative is the creation of formal partnerships between 12 GTA hospitals and local mental health organizations serving youth that will establish a continuum of care that youth will receive after being discharged from hospitals. This includes implementing better and more realistic models and programs that can be replicated across the country to prevent youth from falling through the cracks—particularly those from underserved and vulnerable communities.

“Funding for mental health initiatives doesn’t just improve lives; it strengthens our entire social fabric,” said Gary Slaight, President and CEO, The Slaight Family Foundation. “One of the issues we heard loud and clear was the disconnect between youth discharged from hospitals and the continued community support or services available to them. Investing in these connecting services and programs is an investment in the well-being and future of our youth. We consider this support a fundamental step towards breaking down barriers and creating a more equitable, accessible healthcare system.”

The announcement comes ahead of World Mental Health Day (October 10) and at a crucial time, as Canadians between 15 and 24 years old are more likely to report mental health and substance use concerns than any other age group.

According to Katherine Hay, President and CEO, Kids Help Phone (KHP), 50 per cent of youth in Canada reported experiencing a form of depression and anxiety, particularly through and since the pandemic. Suicide continued to be the second leading cause of death among young people in 2022 – with equity-deserving communities at higher risk due to a disparity in access and service. In 2022 alone, KHP was able to de-escalate and safety-plan with more than 13,000 youth at imminent or significant risk of suicide or self-harm, reducing the need to use emergency services.

The addition of this new gift brings the total of support for mental health initiatives from the Slaight family to over $71M to date.

The Slaight Family Foundation Youth & Mental Health Initiative Recipients:
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) $2,100,000
Covenant House $1,000,000
Drug Free Kids Canada $250,000
������� $1,500,000
Jack.org $1,000,000
Kids Help Phone $1,500,000
Michael Garron Hospital $1,700,000
North York General Hospital $1,600,000
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences $1,620,000
Pine River Institute $1,300,000
Scarborough Health Network $1,500,000
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) $1,500,000
Sinai Health $1,000,000
St Joseph’s Health Centre $1,500,000
St. Michael’s Hospital $1,780,000
Sunnybrook Hospital $1,600,000
University Health Network $1,500,000
Women’s College Hospital $1,850,000
Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario $700,000

������� The Slaight Family Foundation

Since 2013, The Slaight Family Foundation has funded several strategic initiatives to multiple organizations. These initiatives started with gifts to five Toronto hospitals to support priority healthcare issues, followed by programs to address global humanitarianism, the healthy development of children and youth across Canada, support for Indigenous issues, a seniors’ initiative to help keep seniors in their homes and communities, supporting mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, support for women and girls at risk in Canada and most recently to support the performing arts industry as it continues to recover from pandemic-related closures. This gift of $26.5 million brings the collective support for these strategic initiatives to $211.5 million.

The Slaight Family Foundation was established in 2008 by John Allan Slaight. Allan Slaight (1931-2021), known as Canada’s broadcast pioneer, was a leader in the music industry and a prominent Canadian philanthropist. Through his generosity, the Foundation proactively supports charitable initiatives in the areas of healthcare, at-risk youth, international development, social services and culture. Allan’s son, Gary Slaight, oversees the foundation as President & CEO, The Slaight Family Foundation.

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