Make a Difference in the World and Save Lives
One day, a business leader was sitting in his office, working on some important papers. His phone rang, and he answered without looking at the caller ID. It turned out to be his childhood friend, whom he had not seen in years. They caught up on each others' lives, and eventually, the topic of conversation shifted to the business leader's work. His friend asked him what he did, and the business leader proudly replied, "I'm a CEO." But his friend was not impressed. "That's great," he said, "but what are you doing to make a difference in the world?" The business leader hung up the phone feeling embarrassed and ashamed. He donated some of his money to charity to help make a difference in the world. Your donation will save lives and make a real impact on people's lives. We are looking for people who want to make a difference. So I ask, "what are you doing to make a difference in the world?"
Why I Got Involved with How Are You Feeling?
I've been involved with How Are You Feeling for over a year. Last October, I met with Bob Calvert to discuss this How Are You Feeling program. Bob and Janice Berger co-created this program that helps kids identify, understand and process their emotions before a crisis. The first thing I noticed about Bob was his unrelenting passion for what the program can do for kids.
“We are changing kids’ lives”
Several mental health organizations have approached me since we lost our daughter Maddie to suicide in April 2015. I haven't jumped on board for many reasons; I wasn't emotionally ready, the causes didn't necessarily resonate with me, and many focused on remediation, not prevention.
How Are You Feeling has been Completely Self-Funded
When I decided to help last year, the program was completed and needed to be brought to market. Bob and Janice had put this program together at their own expense. Their investment of time and energy is unfathomable. Bob's commitment to the program is uncompromised. At times, he has been unreasonable. But unreasonable people get results!
Bob and I have had some philosophical differences, and we've had some pretty strong disagreements. One thing I have never questioned was his level of commitment or his unwavering passion for what we are doing. Bob wants this program in every school around the world. He doesn't flinch when he makes that statement. I'd be happy to be in every school, province, and territory.
Why Will I Never Apologize for Asking for Donations?
I'll never apologize for fundraising or asking people for donations. And here's why: I believe in philanthropy's power to change lives. I've seen firsthand what a difference our program can make in the lives of others, and I'm passionate about doing whatever I can to make that happen.
Fundraising isn't just about raising money. It's about building relationships and bringing people together for a common cause. It's about inspiring others to give and making a difference in the world. And that's something I'll never apologize for.
Everyone Claims That Our Program is so Desperately Needed
Mental health impacts us all. Whether it's touched your family directly or through friends, many would be hard-pressed to say they have not been affected by someone's mental health today. This impact comes on the heels of yet another suicide of a teen last week in North Toronto. Unfortunately, this will not be the last teenage suicide we hear about in our neighbourhood.
How many more kids need to die before some schools take this seriously? Some teachers are embracing our program, whereas some say they are just too busy. Too busy to save a life?! Sadly, I get this as an excuse far too often.
Parents hear about our program and comment that this is so desperately needed for our kids. Kids who go through our program tell us how much our program has impacted their lives. After completing our program, they tell us they have a much better understanding of their emotions. I've seen, in earnest, how these kids' lives have been changed.
Fundraising is Hard
How Are You Feeling is my first foray into fundraising professionally. It's rewarding yet challenging. I have a whole level of newfound respect for professional fundraisers. I'm still learning the ropes and will be for some time.
If you are an experienced fundraiser, I'd love some tips of the trade if you're willing and able to assist. Remember that donating your time is as important as writing a cheque. Both means are welcome.
We've Received Some Generous Support so Far
We need financial support to continue to market to schools, sponsor volunteer programs, continue to support kids' mental health advocacy, produce new content and create pilot programs to help schools add our program to their curriculums.
We've received some generous individual donations from parents whose kids have participated in our programs. We've also received donations from families who have been touched by mental illness. Also, we received a generous corporate sponsorship contributing marketing and market research services for the next three years from my good friend, Don Mayo, at IMI International. We are starting to receive the attention of individuals and foundations who support youth mental health. But we could always use more support!
Conclusion
Youth mental health is on our radar these days. It can be about teenage depression and anxiety. There's tremendous pressure facing kids to perform to get into post-secondary schools. It comes from peer pressure, social media and bullying. There are so many culprits behind challenging teens' emotions these days that there's no single cause or condition. This situation is unlikely to change unless kids understand their feelings, the very issue that programs like How Are You Feeling are addressing.
If you have someone in your family or circle of friends who suffers from mental health challenges, please consider donating to our charity through the link below. Our future generations will thank you!