THANK YOU FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE
IN OUR COMMUNITY.

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

Happy Holidays!

As we reflect on the past year, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB) has a great deal to be thankful for.

We are proud to be an ongoing community partner for enhancing and promoting the mental health of all persons living in Windsor-Essex. Last September CMHA-WECB signed an official Memorandum of Understanding with Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare. As part of this partnership, the alignment of mental health services will be improved. The goal is to eliminate gaps in the healthcare system so that every individual has access to the care and services they need.

None of our success and accomplishments would be possible without the contribution and commitment of many people.

Thank you to the dedicated staff at CMHA-WECB who work tirelessly to provide exceptional care and services to thousands of individuals in this community.

Thank you to everyone who supported CMHA-WECB with a donation and/or attended an event. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Thank you to our Board of Directors and remarkable volunteers who go above and beyond for this organization. Whether you assist at the branch, on a committee, or helped at an event, your contribution is invaluable.

From all of us at CMHA-WECB, I wish you Happy Holidays and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Mary C. Wilson

Acting CEO/Director of Operations

CMHA-WECB

LOCAL PHILANTHROPIST GIVES $100,000

On October 31, 2014 local philanthropist, Al Quesnel, visited CMHA-WECB to present a cheque for $50,000. After meeting with staff and hearing first-hand the impact that the Bereavement Program makes to individuals and families he doubled his gift to $100,000!!

The Bereavement Program receives minimal government funding, relying on community support for its existence. Over 600 individuals use this valuable program annually.

UPCOMING EVENTS


Griefworks Wish List As part of the Children's Griefworks Program, art supplies are often used. During this holiday season, support this program by donating supplies. Click here for a complete list.	Go Green Golf Tournament: June 8, 2015 Register by June 1, 2015 Download a Registration Form


Ride Don't Hide: June 21, 2015 Join riders across Canada to address the stigma of mental illness one peddle at a time. The Windsor ride takes place in Walkerville starting at Devonshire/Riverside Dr. Choose a 10, 20 or 50K scenic route. Cost to participate is $35 for adults, children are free. Sign up today at www.ridedonthide.com	Caboto Charity Pasta Night First Wednesday of every month. 4:30 - 7:30pm Caboto Club Take-out is available!

CMHA STORIES

I will never forget the moment we learned that our 18 year old son, Julien, died. As an energetic, athletic, outgoing teenager, no one could have anticipated his death. However, after sustaining head injuries from a motor vehicle accident on May 29, 2011 Julien tragically died. Just a month shy of two significant milestones - high school graduation and prom, his death was overwhelming for his friends and family.

The death of a loved one is one of the most traumatic, emotional challenges a person can face. After Julien's death Germain and I were inconsolable. We did not know how we would continue our lives without Julien in it. At the urging of a friend we attended a bereavement counselling session at the Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB). Three years later we continue to be involved in the program. Although there continue to be good and bad days, the counselling sessions have allowed us to find some peace.

600 individuals receive counselling services from the CMHA-WECB Bereavement Program annually. This unique program is available for adults and children living in the Windsor-Essex community who are dealing with loss. Often participation in the program makes the difference in moving on with your life.

The Bereavement Program receives minimal government funding. Its availability relies on community support for its existence. This year we are excited to share that Heavenly Rest Family of Catholic Cemeteries is providing a lead gift in support of the 2014 Holiday Giving Campaign. Their staff know first hand the impact that bereavement counselling can make on individuals and families. Today we are asking for your support to ensure that this valuable service continues to be available for individuals like Germain and I.

Your support ensures the continuity of this program in our community. With one in five Canadians experiencing a mental illness in their lifetime, we need programs such as the Bereavement Program more than ever before.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Christine Gaudet

HEAVENLY REST SUPPORTS CMHA-WECB BEREAVEMENT PROGRAM

In the spirit of giving, Heavenly Rest Family of Catholic Cemeteries has made the lead gift for the 2014 CMHA-WECB Holiday Giving Campaign in support of the Bereavement Program.

"We fully support CMHA-WECB and its Bereavement Program. As an organization who serves grieving families, we regularly refer individuals to the Bereavement Program at CMHA - WECB. The program provides an invaluable service to this community. To ensure that families and individuals struggling with grief and the loss of a loved one have access to the Bereavement Program, Heavenly Rest Family of Catholic Cemeteries encourages you to support CMHA-WECB during this season of giving."

Mrs. Mary Heath, B.MA, B.Ed., MA

Pastoral Minister

Heavenly Rest Family of Catholic Cemeteries

Our Corporate Partners:

GIVE THE GIFT THAT BRIGHTENS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON ~

SUPPORT THE CMHA BEREAVEMENT PROGRAM

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