On Tuesday morning, Loredana Battistella of The Loving Soul, reflexology and reiki practice in Bradford, made a $500 donation to Canadian Mental Health Association York and South Simcoe.
Throughout the holiday season, Battistella sold 100 bars of natural soaps made by local soap maker, Carolyn Penrose of Carma Soap Co. with all proceeds going towards the fundraising campaign.
“I chose mental health just because it hits home with me and I thought I’d give back,” Battistella explained on her reasons for creating the fundraiser.
“That’s what it’s all about giving back and helping someone else in need,”
Director of Philanthropy for Canadian Mental Health Association York and South Simcoe, Catherine Matzig was on hand to receive the cheque, and thanked Battistella for her generosity, noting the programs are much needed in the community.
“This allows us to utilize it for programs and services wherever it’s needed in the organization,” explained Matzig.
“This is really wonderful, thank you.”
From one on one counselling, to housing and employment services, the association provides those in the community living with mental illness the tools and programs necessary to help improve their quality of life.
They are also behind the MOBYSS, Ontario’s first mobile youth, walk-in clinic, a converted RV covered in graffiti art that travels throughout the York and South Simcoe areas providing mental and physical services for youth ages 12 to 25.
“It goes to schools throughout York Region and South Simcoe and we also go to community centres and shelters, basically wherever young people gather,” explained Matzig.
Last year, she said, there were over 5,000 visitors who stepped into the RV to receive treatment and services.
Each team on the RV has a social worker, nurse practitioner, and peer support specialist to help those in need.
It’s about $350,000 a year to keep the MOBYSS vehicle on the road, including staff salaries, vehicle maintenance, snacks and medical supplies.
The Canadian Mental Health Association was founded in 1918, with their York and South Simcoe Branch opening in 1984. It is one of the oldest voluntary organizations in the country, helping more than 100,000 people every year.
