TORONTO, May 20, 2021 - The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is inviting Canadians to rally together and rise with the sun with a new virtual fundraiser that will support CAMH’s work to find new solutions to the most complex issues in mental health.
The virtual fundraising event, presented by Sun Life, challenges Canadians to wake up with the sun for one week from May 31, 2021 to June 6, 2021, taking a moment each morning to do something positive for their mental health. Participants are encouraged to snap a photo of their Sunrise Moment and share it to social media with #CAMHSunriseChallenge. CAMH will also be hosting Sunrise Experiences each day to bring participants together to greet the sun with unique activities and special guests.
“We are grateful to the more than 3,500 participants who have helped us raise $1,000,000 and counting through the Sunrise Challenge,” said Deborah Gillis, President & CEO, CAMH Foundation. “It’s inspiring to see so many Canadians rallying and rising together in support of CAMH and mental health. We are showing people living with mental illness that there is help and hope.”
“Sun Life is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the inaugural CAMH Sunrise Challenge. We all have a role to play in supporting each other’s mental health – in our homes, workplaces and communities,” said Jacques Goulet, President, Sun Life Canada. “The Challenge will inspire Canadians to take action on their mental health while raising money for research and programs through CAMH. This sponsorship is one way we are helping build a more resilient Canada.”
In Canada, 11 people die by suicide daily, and the world loses 800,000 people to suicide yearly—tragic statistics CAMH is determined to change. As a world leader in mental health research, CAMH created the Sunrise Challenge to raise funds for mental health research and break down the barriers that keep people from getting help when they need it most.
“We rise for all the people fighting battles we may not see. Carley embodied a life of love, and we mourn her passing every day,” said Mary Zadorsky, a member of The Ripple Effect Team participating in the Challenge. The team has raised $9,250 so far toward their $20,000 goal in memory of Carley, who died by suicide on March 15, 2021.
“Those closest to me know I am not a morning person." says participant Kristy Hamilton. "This Sunrise Challenge to raise much needed support and awareness will be a minor inconvenience compared to the daily struggle many close to me have to get out of bed and don the 'mask.' It's ok to ask for help”.
Anyone can participate in the fundraising challenge individually, or by starting or joining a team. Donations can also be made to support a participant, team or the Challenge as a whole.
CAMH will provide fundraising rewards to individual participants who reach fundraising milestones. The fundraising platform is set up for participants to succeed by making the donation process simple and secure.
Key dates
- Monday May 31, 2021 - Sunrise Challenge begins
- Sunday June 6, 2021 - Sunrise Challenge Closing Ceremonies
- Monday June 7, 2021 - last day for fundraising to count toward incentive prizes
The Sunrise Challenge is presented by Sun Life and supported by Peace Collective, Starbucks, Tangerine, Thirsty Sunshine and CIBC.
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's largest mental health teaching hospital and one of the world's leading research centres in its field. CAMH is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto and is a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Collaborating Centre.
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For more information, please contact:
Hayley Chazan
Manager, Media Strategy
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
hayley.chazan@camh.ca