Wes for Youth "Fill the Smile" campaign launched

Wellness and Emotional Support (WES) for Youth On-line is embarking on its first fund-raising campaign since it was founded in 2012.

The "Fill the Smile" campaign aims to raise $200,000 over the next year to build and enhance on-line counselling for young people in Ontario. It will also serve to contribute to the WES for Youth endowed fund for mental health support while contributing to capital reserve.

Over the past five years, WES for Youth On-line has received thousands of dollars from individuals, families, small businesses, and service groups.

“The commitment to this organization in our community is incredibly valuable,” said Jennifer Mulcaster, executive director. “In order for us to provide professional and meaningful service, on-line counselling costs the organization approximately $100 per hour.”

The "Fill the Smile" campaign will support the continued building and enhancement of the on-line counselling service which has provided support to more than 600 registrants in the past five years. As well, the campaign will ensure the longevity of the WES for Youth On-line, and contribute to the endowed fund that will provide future services and capital. The campaign has already began receiving donations and commitments from members of the community.

According to Children’s Mental Health Ontario, as many as one in five children and youth in Ontario will experience some form of mental health challenge, five out of six of those children and youth will not receive the treatment they require.

“The numbers are shocking," said Dustin Garron, WES for Youth board chairman. "We have been incredibly fortunate to bring this innovative service to the young people of this area for the past five years. As an organization, we receive little government funding and rely on our strong community to keep this service available.”

There are many ways that you can donate to share a smile and fill the gap of mental health services. For more information, visit: www.fillthesmile.ca