TORONTO – Bell’s 2012 Let's Talk Event in support of CAMH Foundation has contributed $1.5 million more to support world-leading care and research at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Some 200 companies and 2,000 guests joined last night to support the world-leading mental health care centre and fight the stigma around mental illness
"CAMH is an important partner in the Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative, and we're very proud to support the redevelopment of the unique CAMH community campus. This world-class complex is anchored by the new Bell Gateway Building, the first mental health facility named for a major corporation in Canada," said George Cope, President and CEO of Bell Canada and BCE. "Such visible recognition of support is key to fighting the stigma around mental illness, which prevents too many Canadians from getting the help they need."
"Bell's generosity and commitment to mental health was certainly felt by CAMH staff and patients as we moved into the Bell Gateway Building this past summer," said CAMH President and CEO, Dr. Catherine Zahn. "With Bell's support, our historic Queen Street site has begun to transform into the hospital of the future, enabling CAMH to improve patient care, help build our city, and change attitudes towards people living with mental illness and addiction."
Bell Let's Talk national spokesperson and multi-medal Olympian Clara Hughes also addressed event guests, talking about her commitment to Canadian mental health and reaffirming her close relationship with Bell Let's Talk.
"I can't quite believe all that we've been able to accomplish in just two short years with Bell Let's Talk. People approach me wherever I go to thank and congratulate me for talking about mental health,” said Hughes.
Hughes called on attendees to join her on February 12, 2013 for the third annual Bell Let's Talk Day by texting, calling and tweeting.
On the last Bell Let's Talk Day, Bell donated 5 cents for each of the more than 78 million text messages, retweets and long distance calls made by Canadians that day in support of mental health – a total of more than $3.9 million in additional funding for new mental health programs across the country.
