An outpouring of community support has helped raise more than $117,000 through the RBC Race for the Kids Gift Catalogue, directly benefiting the Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) program at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH). These funds will support children receiving critical mental health care, providing resources to help them build resilience, develop coping strategies, and find comfort during their treatment.
A Lifeline for Youth in Crisis
The CYMH program is a vital resource for children in the Simcoe Muskoka region, where 75% of hospital admissions for youth aged 11 to 17 in 2023 were linked to mental health challenges. As the only program of its kind in the area, it serves as a critical lifeline for young people and their families during times of crisis.
“Community support for the RBC Race for the Kids Gift Catalogue has been nothing short of inspiring,” said Mary-Anne Frith, Chair of the Keep Life Wild campaign and Vice-Chair of the RVH Foundation Board of Directors. “Every gift purchased makes a tangible difference, helping young people feel cared for and supported as they receive the care they need close to home.”
A Longstanding Commitment to Mental Health
Since 2021, RBC Race for the Kids has been a dedicated supporter of RVH’s mental health initiatives, contributing to an impressive total of over $500,000 in funding to date. This year’s campaign will help expand and improve mental health services, including the development of a specialized mental health assessment and treatment room in RVH’s Emergency Department.
“We’re incredibly proud of how the community and Team RBC rallied together to support youth struggling with mental health issues,” said Ronda MacPherson, Vice President of Commercial Financial Services at RBC. “These funds will ensure young people in our community have access to care and support when they need it most.”
Shaping the Future of Mental Health Care
The funds raised through the RBC Race for the Kids Gift Catalogue represent more than just financial contributions—they reflect the community’s commitment to improving mental health care for young people. These efforts will help RVH continue to provide compassionate, lifesaving care while shaping the future of mental health services in the region.
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