Your Impact on Mental Health & Addictions

Your generosity is making a world of difference for mental health and addictions patients here in Cape Breton. Thanks to donations to our Area of Greatest Need and the Because You Care Holiday Catalogue, presented by Colbourne Automotive Group, you have impacted the lives of those in our community who face health care struggles.

In December of 2019, Patrick Breen, a 39-year-old who accesses Mental Health & Addictions services, was able to start working out at a local CrossFit gym, CrossFit Per Ardua, enabling him to focus on wellness, and to improve functional fitness. Mental Health & Addictions Recreational Therapist, Scott Gouthro, applied for a Comfort & Care Grant to purchase an open membership for patients. This allows the clients, like Patrick, supervised access to the gym, to improve physical, mental and psychological wellbeing all while introducing them to social situations where they feel comfortable. “I’ve seen tremendous improvements in Patrick’s mobility, mood and functional fitness,” Scott told us.

In addition to fitness, another important part of recovery and support is socialization and community exposure. Another grant was awarded to the recreational therapist and occupational therapists for a flex pack of tickets to the Cape Breton Eagles games. Dozens of Mental Health & Addictions patients have had access to these games and some were attending games for the first time in their life. Your giving is enabling people in your community to focus on wellness.

Sometimes it’s the essentials and basics that your kindness is providing these patients. Donors to the Because You Care Holiday Catalogue funded more than $400 of warm winter clothing for patients in need. From hats to mittens, sweaters and jackets, these winter necessities are appreciated. In addition to the $400 funded, local business owner Bob Inglis donated another $200 in clothing. Occupational Therapist Jillian Burton was thrilled to accept the donations. “It’s these basics that often mean the world of difference. Warmth and comfort in a cold Cape Breton winter is often the first step to wellness.”

To make sure the next patients have access to important Mental Health and Addictions services, please give today. Your generosity can make all the difference in the world for the next patients in need.