NEWS RELEASE
PATHSTONE FOUNDATION
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Now into it’s 4th year at Pathstone, #ProjectPlaid (#PP), was created to honour the life of Amelia Durocher after we lost her to suicide in 2019. But it wasn’t just about Amelia, says her mother Shanta Rangaratnam, the founder of this campaign. “It was also about encouraging us all to talk openly about mental health, with the hope that something like this never happens to another family.”
Since 2019, #PP has been marked every November across Niagara and culminates on the final Friday of that month, known now as Plaid Friday. On that day the campaign is amplified as the community wears plaid, which was Amelia’s signature style, talks about their mental health, and donates to Pathstone.
To date, more than $200,000 has been raised to support services and programs at Pathstone Mental Health, above Ministry of Health funding. And even better, we are creating open and safe spaces for amplified conversation around mental health.
Simply put, talking about Mental Health, saves lives. And we continue to be moved by the grand gestures of our community in support of #PP and the above mission. This campaign really is easing conversations and enabling connection for so many during their most difficult moments. Shaun Baylis, CEO Pathstone Mental Health.
Starting today, our community comes together for #PP with a host of efforts and events throughout November.
You can support the campaign by making a donation meaningful to you at https://www.pathstonefoundation.ca/projectplaid or purchase some of the Project Plaid merchandise available online or at our walk-in clinic at The Niagara Pen Centre and help raise awareness about mental health.
A few more #PP highlights include:
Community
- There are teams of schools & companies onboard running their own #PP campaigns this year.
Cause Marketing & Donations
- McDonalds- 7 locations will ask customers for donations at the register all month long, and they are donating $1 from every box of chicken McNuggets sold on Nov. 24th to the campaign.
- PetValu Vansickle & Lundy’s Lane – Buy a Project Plaid dog bandana and get a FREE dog wash all November with 100% of the proceeds to support Pathstone.
- Canada Post – 22 customer depots across Niagara will be collecting donations and selling swag all month.
- Casa Toscana Fine Foods & Cucina – They will be donation $1 from every Zozzona pasta dish sold in November.
- And more! (please check our website for the most up to date information)
Events
- #PP will be at the Ice Dogs Game on #Plaid Eve, Nov. 29th selling swag and collecting donations.
For MORE information on the #ProjectPlaid Campaign, visit: https://www.pathstonefoundation.ca/projectplaid/
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