TORONTO, July 16,
2024 /CNW/ - Today, the Canadian Mental Health
Association is pleased to announce an initial $450,000 contribution from West Fraser Timber Co.
Ltd. ("West Fraser"), a leading Canadian manufacturer of renewable
wood building products. The funding will bolster the Canadian
Mental Health Association's (CMHA) Resilient Minds®
program and enhance mental health support in rural communities.
This contribution reflects West Fraser's commitment to fostering
mental health awareness and resilience among its employees and the
communities where it operates. The majority of West Fraser's
manufacturing facilities are located in rural communities which can
potentially be isolating with limited locally available mental
health resources.
The allocated funds will be directed towards achieving two key
objectives:
- Trainings for Firefighters and Emergency
Responders: West Fraser's investment will support the
expansion of Resilient Minds® trainings in British Columbia and Alberta, aligning with the company's locations
in these provinces. By facilitating funding to these regions, CMHA
will be able to enhance its trainings and courses tailored
specifically for 1,200 firefighters including volunteers,
Indigenous emergency first responders and wildfire responders.
- Development of Rural Mental Health Strategy: As a
result of West Fraser's support, CMHA will work with its federation
to develop a rural mental health strategy. This strategy will
address the unique challenges and barriers to mental health support
in rural communities, aiming to improve access to services and
promote mental wellness among residents.
"At West Fraser, we recognize the importance of prioritizing
mental health and supporting the well-being of those in our
communities," says Sean McLaren,
President and CEO, West Fraser. "Through our contribution to CMHA's
Resilient Minds®, we aim to make a meaningful difference
in the lives of firefighters, emergency responders and those
fighting wildfires to provide them with the tools they need to
support their mental health and continue the critical work they
do."
The West Fraser gift will have a significant impact on CMHA's
ability to deliver mental health support to rural communities
affected by wildfires. The investment will be distributed across
CMHA's Provincial Divisions and Branches in Alberta and British
Columbia to support the implementation of the Resilient
Minds® programming in communities where West Fraser
operates.
"CMHA operates in dozens of rural communities across
Canada, and we know that access to
care can be particularly difficult in these areas," says
Margaret Eaton, National CEO, CMHA.
"CMHA is grateful for this substantial investment by West Fraser
and thrilled to have them as partners in breaking down these
barriers to mental health care and providing transformative
support."
Resilient Minds® is a trauma and evidence-informed,
peer-led psychological health awareness training program designed
by and for first responders across Canada. Founded in 2016, Resilient
Minds® started as a partnership between Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services (VFRS) and
the Canadian Mental Health Association to develop a program in
response to the concerning experiences of fire fighters and
stress-related injuries. Resilient Minds® has supported thousands
of fire fighters to safeguard their mental health, with the number
growing each day across Canada.
"The Resilient Minds course has proven to be an invaluable
resource for firefighters facing mental health challenges," says
Roger Hollander, Regional Fire Chief
of Cariboo Regional District. "Through this program, participants
have gained essential skills and strategies to navigate difficult
situations, manage stress, and build resilience in their daily
lives. West Fraser's contribution has enabled us to reach a wider
audience of firefighters and provided much-needed support to those
in need."
To learn more about CMHA and the Resilient Minds®
program, visit cmha.ca/resilient-minds. To support the
life-changing work of CMHA,
email development@cmha.ca.
About the Canadian Mental Health Association
Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is
the most established, most extensive community mental health
federation in Canada. Through a
presence in more than 330 communities across every province and the
Yukon. CMHA provides advocacy,
programs and resources that help to prevent mental health problems
and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all
Canadians to flourish and thrive. For more information, please
visit cmha.ca.
About West Fraser
West Fraser is a diversified wood
products company with more than 60 facilities
in Canada, the United
States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. The
Company produces lumber, engineered wood products (OSB, LVL, MDF,
plywood, and particleboard), pulp, newsprint, wood chips, other
residuals, and renewable energy from responsibly sourced wood
fibre. West Fraser's products are used in home construction,
repair and remodelling, industrial applications, papers, tissue,
and box materials. For more information about West Fraser,
visit westfraser.com.
SOURCE Canadian Mental Health Association