At the suggestion of Bill Corrigan, a member of their Ontario team, they determined that CAMH was the organization they most wanted their efforts to benefit.
And since that first golf tournament in 1999, Tremco Roofing Canada has been an inspiration to corporations across Canada: a model of grassroots, employee-driven philanthropy. Tremco’s support came at a time when many organizations were hesitant to associate with mental health because of the stigma. Tremco bravely saw the need to tackle and address that stigma, an avocation it continues to pursue. Tremco has donated more than $754,000 to CAMH, and the annual golf tournament is now one of CAMH’s longest running third-party events.
In 2012, Tremco’s generosity was recognized with the naming of the Tremco Roofing Child Ambulatory Service Centre, as part of CAMH’s new Child, Youth and Family Program.
Raising funds for CAMH is only part of Tremco Roofing Canada’s commitment to fostering mental health. The company created wellness programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and the mental well-being of employees. These values were brought to life through a CAMH partnership to run workshops for Tremco staff on mental health in the workplace.
“I am so proud to be part of a company that is committed to raising money to help move us beyond the shame of mental illness to improve treatment. We hope to continue to support that for years to come,” said Bosville Salmon, Director of Human Resources for Tremco Roofing Canada.
Two years ago Tremco was recognized with a Transforming Lives Award. The Harry & Shirley Young Corporate Award celebrates businesses that show leadership in fighting the stigma and discrimination connected with mental illness and demonstrate a deep commitment to mental health.
The impact of Tremco’s support is felt every day at CAMH. “We often hear that one in five children and youth suffer from a mental illness,” said Dr. Peter Szatmari, Chief of the Child and Youth Mental Health Collaborative at CAMH, Toronto Hospital for Sick Children, and the University of Toronto. “Having forward-thinking supporters like Tremco Roofing Canada helps us meet the needs of young Canadians.”