Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia Marks 1 Million Dollar Community Funding Milestone

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is marking a funding milestone— having provided more than $1,000,000 in Community Funding for the first time in the organization’s history. The achievement was celebrated this morning at the Foundation’s 2019-2020 Annual General Meeting.

"The generosity of our donors goes far beyond the million dollar mark," says Starr Cunningham, President and CEO of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. "This overwhelming support allows Nova Scotians living with mental illness and addiction to rediscover a sense of self, find joy in their everyday lives, and most importantly to have hope for the future."

The significant contributions of Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia friends and supporters were also recognized. Vision Awards were presented to seven individuals in the following categories: Partners in our Vision (Fire Inside Leadership: Sandi Roberts and Julian Young), Outstanding Volunteer (Iain MacKay, Pellerine Tournament of Hearts) and Outstanding Achievement (The First Responders- Hon. David Wilson, Deputy Chief Don MacLean, Supt. Dustine Rodier, and 911 Dispatcher Lana Grant ).

Since 2006, the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia has provided more than $5.5 million in funding through its grants program in support of organizations that provide hope and eradicate the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction. The Foundation’s funded programs reduce barriers and increase access to mental health supports and services throughout Nova Scotia. They include counselling and recovery, BIPOC-focused initiatives, mental health literacy, employment and life skills training, recreation and music therapy, peer support, leadership, resiliency and 2SLGBTQIA programs. Last year's grants provided more than 6700 hours of mental health support; impacting an estimated 21,500 individuals directly and more than 235,000 indirectly.

The Foundation looks forward to a successful 2020-2021 year. The Foundation’s 2019-2020 Community Report can be viewed at CR2020.mentalhealthns.ca.　

Scotiabank commits $50,000 to Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia

TORONTO, April 23, 2020 /CNW/ - To demonstrate its commitment to the communities of Nova Scotia, Scotiabank is donating $300,000 to help provide immediate and longer-term support to those impacted by recent tragic events. 

"In communities like Portapique, Wentworth, Debert, Shubenacadie, Milford and Enfield, a horrific event like this is unimaginable," said Dan Rees, Group Head, Canadian Banking, Scotiabank. "The impact of this tragedy can be felt across all of Nova Scotia, as well as the entire country. As we grieve and begin to slowly recover from this terrible event, Scotiabank will be working closely with the community to ensure help is available where the need is greatest."   

To support first responders, as well as longer term relief efforts in the province, Scotiabank is donating $50,000 to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia directing support to the Tema Foundation Named Grant which provides Mental Health and Wellness services for First Responders, Care Providers and the people in their lives. 

To provide longer term relief, Scotiabank will donate an additional $250,000 to various local organizations that will help those most acutely impacted by the tragedy.

"Our global bank was founded nearly 188 years ago in Halifax as the Bank of Nova Scotia. The principles, values, and integrity that our Nova Scotian origins represent still guide Scotiabank today," Dan Rees continued. "It is difficult to find relief in the wake of a tragedy such as this, but all Scotiabankers – and Canadians – are standing with Nova Scotia during this trying time."

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is a leading bank in the Americas. Guided by our purpose: "for every future," we help our customers, their families and their communities achieve success through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of approximately 100,000 employees and assets of approximately $1.2 trillion (as at January 31, 2020), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit http://www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankViews.