The Grocery Foundation has provided a $5.5 million gift to support a youth mental health movement run by Kids Help Phone (KHP). The funds, which have been donated over the past few years, will support the Feel Out Loud Movement through the organization’s interactive tool “Resources Around Me.”
The Grocery Foundation has partnered with KHP for 14 years with proceeds from its annual “Night to Nurture” Gala going to the organization.
The “Resources Around Me” tool is designed to help young people find and connect with trusted community supports across Canada. It offers more than 22,000 vetted youth mental health programs and services for young people, including resources for Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+, Black and Newcomer youth. KHP says it’s the largest interactive tool of its kind and offers a way for youth to quickly and easily connect with local and relevant sources to help them.
The Feel Out Loud movement is considered the largest youth mental health movement in Canada’s history and organizers aim to raise $300 million for mental health care for every young person. Through the movement, KHP will expand clinical services from coast to coast to coast, close the mental health equity gaps and leverage innovation in virtual care.
“At The Grocery Foundation, we believe there is no better purpose than to come together in support of the health and wellbeing of children. Through our partnership with Kids Help Phone, we are proud to play our part in breaking down barriers to compassionate, 24/7 mental health services for young people — no matter where they may be located in Canada, and no matter what time of day they need to get in touch” says Shaun McKenna, executive director, The Grocery Foundation.
Tickets for the 2024 Night to Nurture Gala will go on sale within the next two weeks, following the announcement of the entertainment for the event. McKenna says for the first time, the organization will be offering “front of room” access “which will give people the opportunity to jump the queue for tickets. People can find out more about this early access at nighttonurture.ca.” Night to Nurture takes place January 27, 2024 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
