Initiative aims to top $100M in funding; 1 billion messages of support
MONTREAL – Bell’s mental health awareness campaign Bell Let’s Talk is on track to surpass a billion total messages of support for mental health and $100 million in total Bell funding next month on Bell Let’s Talk Day 2019 on January 30.
Canadians and people around the world have exchanged close to 900,000,000 messages across multiple platforms on the eight Bell Let’s Talk Days since the annual event first kicked off in 2011. With Bell donating 5 cents to Canadian mental health for each of these texts, mobile and long distance calls, and social media interactions, the company said Wednesday that its total funding commitment has already exceeded $93 million, which includes its initial $50 million anchor donation.
“It’s been an incredible outpouring of support for those who struggle with mental illness over the last 8 years, and we’re now ready to break a billion total messages”, said Mary Deacon, chair of Bell Let’s Talk, in a statement. “I invite you to add your voice to the conversation on January 30 to get us there – and help drive Bell’s total donations to Canadian mental health programs past $100 million at no cost to you!”
The Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative is focused on the four key action pillars of anti-stigma, care and access, research, and workplace leadership. Since launching in September 2010, Bell Let’s Talk has partnered with more than 900 organizations providing mental health services throughout Canada, including major donations to hospitals, universities and other care and research organizations.
Join the conversation on January 30. Bell will donate 5 cents to Canadian mental health programs for each of these interactions at no extra cost to participants:
– Text and talk: Every text message, mobile and long distance call made by Bell wireless and phone customers;
– Twitter: Every tweet and retweet using #BellLetsTalk and Bell Let's Talk Day video view;
– Facebook: Every view of the Bell Let's Talk Day video at Facebook.com/BellLetsTalk and use of the Bell Let's Talk frame;
– Instagram: Every Bell Let's Talk Day video view; and
– Snapchat: Every use of the Bell Let's Talk geofilter and video view.
Across all platforms, Bell Let’s Talk Day 2018 saw a record 138,383,995 messages of support, driving new Bell donations of $6,919,199.75. #BellLetsTalk was Canada's most-used hashtag in 2018 and of all time, and was also the most retweeted by Canadians this year.
Total Bell Let’s Talk Day interactions to date are 867,449,649 and Bell funding for mental health programs currently stands at $93,423,628.80.
