Toronto, ON (December 18, 2025) — The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Foundation is thrilled to announce a donation to its lifesaving child and youth work from the John Tavares Foundation, presented in person by NHL Star and Toronto Maple Leafs player, John Tavares and his wife Aryne.
This moment marks an exciting new partnership for mental health, one that aims to help youth and their support systems thrive by expanding access to early intervention, education, and holistic supports that strengthen both mental and physical well-being.
As a celebrated athlete and committed community leader, John Tavares is eager to see this partnership come to life, continuing his leadership far beyond the ice to support families and communities.
At CAMH, located on Queen Street West, Tavares and his wife joined a small group of researchers, doctors, and mental health advocates, as well as youth patients for a celebration of impact and progress. Here, Tavares spoke to why choosing CAMH was important to him.
He says, “My wife Aryne and I are proud to support CAMH through the John Tavares Foundation by helping raise awareness and providing support for the incredible work they do. Together, we’re championing mental health and helping to make sure individuals and families can get the care they need, when they need it most.”
His contribution was met with young faces of hope and gratitude. Youth patients couldn’t be more excited to meet a local hockey hero and feel seen by someone they’ve watched play in the largest arenas in the country.
CAMH is recognized globally as a leader in developing effective, evidence-based care for children and youth through excellence in research, care and education. The Child & Youth Psychiatry Division is a hub for research and partnerships dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth and families affected by mental illness.
The Division is also home to several world-leading centres, including the Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression, the Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth & Family Mental Health, the Centre for Youth Bipolar Disorder and the Slaight Family Centre for Youth in Transition and well as program like Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO), Integrated Youth Services (IYS) and Thriving Minds with SickKids Hospital and the The Garry Hurvitz Centre for Community Mental Health at SickKids.
These centres represent a collective effort to improve care pathways, strengthen early intervention, and empower youth to play an active role in their own recovery and resilience.
Anne-Marie Newton, President & CEO of CAMH Foundation, says partnerships like this one are a powerful reminder of what happens when community and philanthropy come together for a cause that affects us all.
“Earlier this fall, CAMH Foundation launched a campaign highlighting the maze-like journey that so many face when seeking mental-health care. It’s a reminder that change starts with awareness, but must be followed by action,” said Newton. “When influential people like John take up that call, it gives us hope that the future of youth mental health in Canada will look very different and much brighter.”
This announcement signifies the beginning of a meaningful partnership between the John Tavares Foundation and CAMH Foundation to advance mental-health care and education for children and youth.
About the John Tavares Foundation
The John Tavares Foundation is dedicated to helping children and youth reach their full potential by improving access to nutritious food, active living, community connection, and meaningful life experiences. Rooted in the belief that every young person deserves the tools and opportunities to thrive, the Foundation works alongside schools, community organizations, and local leaders to create lasting impact across Canada.
Through targeted investments in food security, youth development, sport and recreation, and community infrastructure, the Foundation supports programs that remove barriers, strengthen wellbeing, and build brighter futures. From revitalizing multi-sport courts to supporting Indigenous youth leadership programs and expanding access to healthy foods, the John Tavares Foundation is committed to empowering the next generation—one community at a time.
Find the Foundation at www.johntavaresfoundation.org on Instagram or LinkedIn.
About the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation
CAMH Foundation is charged with raising and stewarding funds in support of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada’s largest mental illness and addiction hospital. We drive change for mental health by inspiring philanthropy that enables leading-edge care, research and education at CAMH. We are transforming the way we understand and address mental illness by raising awareness and increasing engagement in our community. Our generous and dedicated supporters help CAMH advance discovery and innovation, build spaces that promote recovery, and break down the stigma of mental illness. We are leading a movement that will create a society that believes mental health is health.
Media Contact
Isabella Kuscu
Communications Officer, Foundation
Isabella.kuscu@camh.ca
