Let’s move child and youth mental health forward together.

Did you know that in any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians experiences a mental illness? The stats are staggering:

• By the time Canadians reach 40 years of age, 1 in 2 have—or have had—a mental illness.
• 70% of mental health problems have their onset during childhood or adolescence.
• Young people aged 15 to 24 are more likely to experience mental illness and/or substance use disorders than any other age group.

Here at Student Life Network, we’re eager to move mental health research and support forward. That’s why our CEO, T.J. Donnelly, has committed to riding in the Tour De Bleu in support of CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health), an organization at the forefront of mental health work.

As he’s done for special causes in the past, T.J. isn’t cycling just because he loves to cycle. He’s cycling, rather, because he loves to serve. Alongside several other passionate and dedicated cyclists, T.J. will be riding more than 100 km between August 9-11 to raise money.

What is Tour de Bleu?

Tour de Bleu is a one-of-a-kind cycling fundraiser launched by Peter Gilgan in 2005. Now in its 15th year, the Tour has raised more than $20 million for great causes. The 2019 Tour will once again support CAMH, Canada’s leading mental health hospital and research centre. Funds raised this year will contribute to youth mental health initiatives.

Why Does SLN Support CAMH?

CAMH is Canada’s leading mental health hospital and research centre. They are also a world leader in child and youth mental health care and research.

CAMH is home to three centres of excellence in the field:

• The Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression
• The Slaight Family Centre for Youth in Transition
• The Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth & Family Mental Health

The incredible work that takes place in these centres spans the spectrum of mental illness: from understanding how children’s brains develop and the factors that increase the risk for mental illness to implementing early intervention programs for youth experiencing their first episode of psychosis. They are focused on developing real-world mental health solutions that young people need to lead happy and healthy lives.

T.J.’s participation in Tour de Bleu will help CAMH push its life-changing—and life-saving—work in child and youth mental health to the next level. All funds raised will support key research and care priorities in this area, and play a vital role in improving the lives of children, youth and families affected by mental illness. For every $1 raised, $5 will go to CAMH. And on top of that, T.J. will personally match up to $10,000 from those that donate.

Help us move child and youth mental health forward together.

About CAMH

About Peter Gilgan Foundation

The Peter Gilgan Foundation is a private foundation created by philanthropist and business leader Peter Gilgan. Donations totalling more than $260 million have been directed to a variety of causes, including health and wellness, recreation and active lifestyles, educational institutions, international development and environmental protection. The Peter Gilgan Foundation’s current focus is on children, youth, and families, as well as environmental protection and international development. To learn more about our funding areas, click here.