Funding News

“It was amazing what was conveyed in an hour. I have not been to a non-profit event as informative and effective,” says Brian Fraser, Lead Provocateur, Jazzthink Consulting, a guest at Coast’s 2008 Celebration of Hope complimentary fundraising breakfast. “It is an inspiring event. It is well organized and run and you get a great picture of the value that Coast delivers. And it finishes at exactly 8:30 as promised!”

According to research from Simon Fraser University, investments in community mental health services are at one-quarter of the levels needed to address the existing needs of the population who have a mental illness.

Brian agrees with the SFU research. “People with a mental illness are stigmatized or ignored. But the good news is that Coast sees the needs of the people and their potential as individuals.”

“At the breakfast I saw the way Coast treats people with mental illness as full and capable human beings and how Coast’s front line staff help people live life to the fullest.”

This year, the 2009 breakfast’s theme is Realizing Potential. It will be held Wednesday, October 28^th at the Hyatt Regency at 655 Burrard St in Vancouver from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Attendance is free and there is no minimum or maximum gift.

“The quality of our community is indicated by the way we treat and enter into companionship with those who have the greatest struggles to lead a full and rich life.” At the 2008 breakfast, Brian demonstrated his generosity by becoming a monthly donor to Coast. “While there are a range of demands on charitable dollar, Coast gives remarkable value. They help people on the ground, day-by-day, in practical terms like supported housing, employment programs and community services. At the breakfast the speakers and video presented a clear and compelling case about the thought and wisdom in the delivery of services.”

“A friend told me about Coast in 2007 and I did not have a great depth of understanding of community mental health services and certainly not the degree of Coast’s pioneering work in the field. I would recommend everybody who has chance to go to the breakfast as Coast is doing exciting work and is breaking ground on many new programs.”

Cadillac Donates $25,000 to Coast

Cadillac Fairview has increased their commitment to Coast and gave $25,000 in 2008 after their $15,000 in 2007. Cadillac Fairview held a splendid evening attended by over 300 guests at their 2nd Annual Big Brolly Gala on October 22, 2008 and raised $75,000 split by three charities.

Ultan Kampff, Cadillac Fairview Pacific Centre General Manager and Coast Foundation Society Board of Director and, hosted the evening. Lorne Segal, Courage To Come Back Chair, spoke along with Coast’s 2008 Courage Recipient for Mental Health, Debbie Sesula among other speakers.

Thanks to Cadillac Fairview for their generous and ongoing support to Coast’s efforts to provide homes, jobs, help and friends to people living with a mental illness.

Celebration of Hope Donors Give $90,000

On November 20, 2008 over 200 people gathered at 7:30 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency to meet some of the people who have benefited from Coast and hear about Coast’s vision, mission and work. Over 100 people generously donated a one-time gift or made a pledge over a three-year period. Many people choose the “dollar a day” option and committed to pay $30 as monthly donors. The average commitment was $900! Thanks to everyone who gave, volunteered and shared at the Fourth Celebration of Hope Breakfast.

The presenting sponsor, Weyerhaeuser Company, once again generously paid for all the costs associated with the event so that the money raised could go directly to Coast programs. Wendy King, Senior Legal Counsel of Weyerhaeuser and a Coast Mental Health Foundation Governor spoke of how evident it is in Vancouver that there is a need for more services that Coast provides for people living with a mental illness.

Marilyn Beech, sister of Coast client Alan, spoke of how her brother had benefited tremendously from living in a Coast Community Home, his part-time work and how he reaches out to other more introverted housemates. Marilyn said that Alan is the brother she and other family members are most proud of.

Ross Taylor, Resource Development Associate, Coast Mental Health Foundation shared his ongoing journey of recovery while living with mental illness and how Coast has played an important role in that process.

In a video called the What We Do;a number of Coast staff share about how important it is in our work to put the person before the mental illness. Respect and focusing on a person’s potential are keys to recovery as is understanding that each individual recovery path is unique.

Darrell Burnham, Executive Director, explained Coast’s wider vision by asking, “Can you imagine a world where saying ‘I have schizophrenia’ can be said as openly as ‘I have diabetes’?” This inclusive and accepting environment can only be imagined, but Coast works daily toward eliminating the stigma and discrimination against people with a mental illness. Individual recovery is best achieved in a society that supports and welcomes people living with a mental illness.

Kevin Evans generously volunteered his time as Host for the breakfast. As CEO of the Industry Training Authority and a Governor for Coast Mental Health Foundation he shared his commitment, passion and humour in moving the program along so that it was done at 8:30 a.m. as promised.

As it says at the end of the video What We Do, Coast supports over a thousand people each day and with your support we can help a thousand more.

If you would like to support Coast’s mission you can give online or contact the Coast Mental Health Foundation at cmhf@coastmentalhealth.com.