Raymond James, one of North America’s leading full-service investment dealers, is showing their heartfelt generosity for the community, having reached a fundraising goal for an integrated youth clinic twice as fast as they expected. The company originally made a two-year fundraising commitment to Foundry Kelowna for $50,000 but ended up surpassing the goal – raising $50,140 in just one year.
The money raised by Raymond James will help provide early intervention and better access to care for youth, and their families, so they can live their best lives possible.
“Our signature fundraiser Christmas in November has raised more than $194,000 for local charities during the last four years,” explains Brendan Willis, Branch Manager for Raymond James Kelowna Corporate. “This past year, Foundry Kelowna was selected as our charity of choice to receive this event’s proceeds. We know that mental wellness affects people from all walks of life and by supporting Foundry Kelowna we are helping dramatically change the delivery of these essential services for youth and their families.”
Using an early intervention approach, Foundry Kelowna unites partner organizations that provide health and mental health care services, enabling young people to open one door to get help with life’s big and small wellness challenges. Scheduled appointments are a part of the ongoing framework of care, but for three hours a day, five days a week the clinic operates as a walk in service. The ‘open access’ hours are proving to be greatly needed. Since Foundry Kelowna opened in September 2017, an average of 200 youth aged 12 – 24, per month, have accessed services within the walk in hours.
Melissa Feddersen, Foundry Kelowna’s Centre Manager, says the vast majority are receiving mental health and/or substance use services for the first time. “We are hearing from young people and families alike that they would not have known where to go if Foundry Kelowna had not been available and so easily accessible for them.” She adds, “Our unique approach means we are able to offer a holistic approach in connecting them to the services that are right for them at that time, we are ensuring we are supporting their entire well-being.”
For more information on Foundry Kelowna, please visit www.foundrybc.ca/kelowna
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