Québec’s largest ever fundraising initiative in support of mental health
On March 20, 2013, the Bal des lumières event in support of mental health was held at the Bell Centre. With more than 800 guests, including Premier Pauline Marois, the evening helped raise more than $1.1 million for three Québec mental health organizations: the Mental Illness Foundation, the Hôpital Louis-H. Lafontaine Foundation – Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, and the Douglas Mental Health University Institute Foundation.
The primary objective of the event was to raise money to help the three foundations pursue their mission of supporting mental health, but it was also a chance to educate guests about the issues surrounding the cause.
According to Lynne McVey, Executive Director of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, and Denise Fortin, Executive Director of the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal: “The proceeds will go toward providing high-quality treatment and services, and financing research and teaching so we may better understand, prevent and treat mental health problems. The money invested will also permit us to carry on with our anti-stigma efforts.” Note that in Québec, one in five individuals will experience mental illness in their lifetime.
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March 22, 2013