Our gratitude to you
Thank you for making 2023 a year of change, hope and community.
Thanks to the support of our community, this year was one of our biggest yet.
—Deborah Gillis
President & CEO
CAMH Foundation
Your generous actions fuel life-saving progress
Your support gives way to new discoveries, new treatment and new hope for mental illness. Thank you for fueling progress that is changing mental health care forever.
New drug treatment for multiple sclerosis
Expanding on an earlier discovery that identified a novel drug target for the treatment of MS, Dr. Fang Liu and her team have now created a small molecule compound that is effective in two different animal models of MS. This represents a key advancement through the support of this community that brings this MS research closer to the clinic to impact patient care.
Read MoreVirtual reality overdose response training
The CAMH Simulation Centre launched an immersive and accessible learning experience focused on how to respond when witnessing an opioid overdose. This training will help reduce stigma around opioid use and enables learners to support those living with addiction.
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Improving mental health care for pregnant women and new mothers
Talk therapies are amongst the most effective interventions in medicine but remain inaccessible to many. Around the world, as few as one in five women can access effective treatment for anxiety and depression during pregnancy and postpartum due to a lack of available specialists, and high costs, transportation and childcare. When women don’t receive treatment for these conditions, the ripple effects can be devastating for them, their children, their partners and their communities.
Read MoreCARIBOU Pathway for youth with depression
CARIBOU is an evidence-based integrated care pathway focused on youth mental health that creates a roadmap for structured, multidisciplinary care treatment plans. The platform has the potential to standardize evidence-based and collaborative treatment plans, leading to more youth having the best possible outcomes.
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We are parents with loved ones who are patients of CAMH. We were brought together through the SAPACCY [Substance Abuse Program for African Canadian and Caribbean Youth] Family Support sessions. We continue to benefit from their advice and support whenever we call on them and remain grateful for their commitment to us and many more that we are sure would echo our sentiments.
Your impact by the numbers
Take a by-the-numbers look at CAMH’s impact and how together we are driving change in the areas of mental health care, research, education and beyond.
My admission changed my life. I honestly cannot thank the doctor at the Emergency Department enough! She has made me want to become a better person and inspired me to pursue my career in the mental health field. She has shown me that recovery is possible and given me hope.
We’re building a world where no one is left behind
In February 2023, CAMH launched No One Left Behind, the world’s largest fundraising campaign in support of hospital-based mental health research. With a $500-million goal, the campaign aims to support life-saving mental health research programs at CAMH and the construction of a new Discovery Centre at CAMH’s Queen Street campus.
When we put out that call for support, this community rallied together to take on the global mental health crisis proving once again that this is more than just a cause. It is a movement. We are making progress toward our goal, and thanks to our supporters’ unwavering commitment and a shared belief in the work, together we are building a future where no one is left behind.
Erica's story
Born with an intellectual disability, Erica Streisslberger was often told that she would be unable to reach her goals. Her determination to not let anything, or anyone, hold her back led her to CAMH
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Augustina
"I get to be in the room with scientists and researchers and tell them about my experiences. As a young person. As someone with lived experience of mental illness. As a Black woman."
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Faith
"I had tried everything and I had nothing left to live for, so I gave it a shot. I was so scared when I went, I was crying in the waiting room. The someone came over to comfort me—another patient—and it created such a bond."
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Tyler
"I get to come back to CAMH and give back to the people who have helped me. If I wasn't in that program, I wouldn't be where I am today. It's all come full circle."
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Anna
"People need to care because of all those people that are out there still struggling like my son struggled, so they might have a chance."
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Melissa & Joshua
"CAMH didn't give up on us. They probably could have, or maybe should have, but they never did."
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Jay
"We need all the help we can get. That's why I want people to support CAMH and all of the work it does."
Read moreCAMH not only saved my life, but helped me find, believe in and honour myself again. I honestly didn’t know if that day would ever come. I feel so remarkably good and ‘here’.
My husband and I received exceptional care and support during our stay at CAMH. The dedication and commitment to patient care were exceptional, and we felt truly supported throughout our journey to recovery.
I sincerely appreciate and am grateful for all the help and guidance that you gave me for the few years that I was a patient… I now have a career in healthcare wherein I work with people struggling with mental health and addictions of all sorts all across the country.
Building the mental health movement
Your support not only inspires and motivates people living with mental illness, it also inspires others to join this growing community, getting bigger and bigger year after year. Just this year, we welcomed 61,000 new donors! That's thousands of people like you, stepping up for mental health with the same goal in mind—learning about mental health, advocating for people living with mental illness, and supporting CAMH in changing mental health care forever.
Finding hope after the storm
Every CAMH donor’s story is unique. The Garcia Family's story is one of tremendous loss, resilience and the enduring power of hope. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of immense heartache, there can be a path forward.
Read their storyRiccardo and Friends
After the passing of his brother Fabio, Riccardo and the Iannello Family joined our community, turning their reason into action by holding a tribute concert with Riccardo and Friends in support of CAMH.
Read their story
Interested in hosting a fundraiser?
Visit our Community and Workplace Fundraising centre for online tools and fundraising ideas.
Get inspiredOur collective power comes from communities of individuals who stand together to shine a light on mental health. We are so proud and thankful to those who rose to the challenge of moving mental health care forward in the 2023 Sunrise Challenge. Thanks to 3,044 participants and 8,100+ supporters, we raised $1.07+ million for mental health. Each day, you woke with purpose, motivated others and inspired action - thank you so much for your unwavering dedication to creating change in this mental health movement. We are grateful, empowered, and hopeful for the sunny future we are building together!
Kandra from Bohemian Bliss Yoga was one of many incredible sun-raisers who challenged themselves this year to raise funds and awareness for mental health. Putting her passion into practice, Kandra shared that, “we rise to create awareness around mental health, to let others know they are not alone. As a community, we are there for you as a safe space with open arms and another place in nature you can call home. We rise with the sun to help others know nature can heal all.”
We look forward to rising with you all again for the 2024 Sunrise Challenge, which will be offered for the first time in both English and French! We will be sending out an official registration announcement early next year so keep an eye out for that but until then, rise up and celebrate your impact!
Sunrise Challenge
Our collective power comes from communities of individuals who stand together to shine a light on mental health. We are so proud and thankful to those who rose to the challenge of moving mental health care forward in the 2023 Sunrise Challenge. Thanks to 3,044 participants and 8,100+ supporters, we raised $1.07+ million for mental health. Each day, you woke with purpose, motivated others and inspired action - thank you so much for your unwavering dedication to creating change in this mental health movement. We are grateful, empowered, and hopeful for the sunny future we are building together!
Kandra from Bohemian Bliss Yoga was one of many incredible sun-raisers who challenged themselves this year to raise funds and awareness for mental health. Putting her passion into practice, Kandra shared that, “we rise to create awareness around mental health, to let others know they are not alone. As a community, we are there for you as a safe space with open arms and another place in nature you can call home. We rise with the sun to help others know nature can heal all.”
We look forward to rising with you all again for the 2024 Sunrise Challenge, which will be offered for the first time in both English and French! We will be sending out an official registration announcement very soon so keep an eye out for that but until then, rise up and celebrate your impact!
Mental health action at work
We are honoured to partner with corporate leaders who champion mental health proudly and set an example for corporations in growing the mental health movement in the workplace.
CAMH’s Business Leaders for Mental Health Action is a philanthropic coalition of business leaders and companies committed to improving the psychological health and safety of employees and advocating for businesses to take action. Members in this coalition commit to taking a stand in support of better mental health, breaking down stigma, implementing organization mental health strategies and helping to create a Canadian workforce where Mental Health is Health.
“Working with the various corporate volunteer groups that Jim brings in has always been a highlight for the summer. Whether it be sports challenges or gardening events, it really gives the opportunity for our patients to have memorable and fun experiences with community members while dismantling stigma at the same time. Our patients love the opportunity to play full court basketball or soccer!” - Recreation Therapist, Carmen
Thank you to all of our corporate champions for being important partners in prioritizing mental health and eliminating the stigma surrounding mental illness in the workplace. Let’s keep the conversations going!
"BMO is a Purpose-driven organization, and we believe that the mental health and well-being of our employees, customers and communities is essential to a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society. We are committed to partnering with leading organizations to advance mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and drive meaningful change. BMO has proudly supported CAMH and its founding partner organizations since 1985. Through our partnership with CAMH, we are helping more people access world-class mental health care through neuroinformatics, digital health innovation, education and research."
—Sharon Haward-Laird, General Counsel & Executive Champion of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, BMO
womenmind™
“The fact that so many people generously donate to womenmind™ sends the message to young women starting STEM careers that their contribution to science is important and worthy of support. This in turn will improve retention of these highly-trained women in academic research.” -Dr. Laurie Zawertailo
womenmind is a community of philanthropists and thought leaders that have come together to tackle the unique gender issues that underrepresented people face when it comes to their mental health. This community exists to put the unique needs and experiences of women at the forefront of mental health research and care—prioritizing the narratives, bodies and minds of women. Since the inception of womenmind in 2020, with your support we have pushed to close the gap for women’s mental health and research. It’s only through gifts from our community that this is possible. We are excited to share that we have completed the first cohort of the researcher mentorship program and are pleased to announce 8 new grants to seed funding, leadership and postdoctoral fellows in 2023. All of this is possible, because of you!
As we move into our 4th year, we are excited to host the first womenmind research conference where we will welcome 25 international researchers, clinicians and scientists to CAMH in April 2024 speak on the exciting work happening around the world on women’s mental health, and the novel outcomes from across the globe.
Thank you for your dedicated support in strengthening our ambition for diversity and gender parity in leadership roles within CAMH.
I am extremely thankful for your support and care. Staff and physicians were very approachable, with clear and empathetic communication, providing our family with timely phone calls in times of distress. You are all very professional dealing with patients and family.
The heart of the hospital
Treating illness is not always enough. Like all of us, our patients need connection, motivation, and support during and after treatment. Basic necessities, like a toothbrush and a pair of socks, mean everything to patients who arrive with nothing. Some patients stay for just a few days, while others stay for much longer—no matter how long they’re here, it can be a challenging time for people in crisis.
Gifts of Light is a 100% donation-funded program at CAMH that works with patients, families, and front line clinical staff to identify the patient wellness gaps in our system and support areas that do not receive ministry funding—with the goal of improving the patient recovery experience.
There is no other program like it. All patients deserve a dignified recovery journey and Gifts of Light works to ensure this. A true gift thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners who believe in our mission.
Let's continue to make an impact
We could not do the work we do without you. Your efforts have a tangible impact on the lives of people living with mental illness and their loved ones. And there’s so much on the horizon to look forward to together.
Help us change mental health care forever.
Your donation moves us closer to a future where no one is left behind.
Donate