Hi! Thanks for being there for my run/walk for Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend (May 23) in support of Upstream Ottawa Mental Health Community Support, where I’m proud to serve as the Director of Development & Communications (the guy in charge of fundraising and marketing).

Upstream provides community support to youth, adults, and families living with mental health and substance-use health challenges, empowering them to lead self-guided and fulfilling lives.

Funds raised will help ensure we can continue offering our Wellness Services, a series of programs that are not funded by the province but we know reduce isolation, encourage friendships, address food insecurity, and simply promote “the good life.”

Some of these services include our monthly social luncheons with crafts and games, “field trip” outings to Ottawa attractions for cultural connectedness, and our holiday dinner, where we provide turkey and gifts to those we serve and their families, to ensure everyone gets something special for the season.

As a personal anecdote, the monthly lunches have become a highlight, as I naturally find myself talking about music with our program participants — sharing with each other our favourite bands, songs, and concerts, as I do with friends. The environment is very warm and natural, and that’s the point… it easy to connect with each other, and connection is so important for mental health.

If 40 of my friends, family members, and colleagues would each donate $50 or more, I would very quickly be at my goal of $2000 in support of our work and be very grateful. That said, no amount is too small (genuinely) and you’ll receive a charitable tax receipt for your donation.

Thanks very much for your compassion and consideration!

- Jake