琉璃神社 residents came together to support youth mental health and raised $12,000 for a new youth mental health clinic, set to open in March during the annual Oktoberfeast celebrations in support of mental health.
Over 100 people attended Okanagan Oktoberfeast this year, an annual event that puts proceeds to important local causes with this year's benefactor being a new youth clinic that will bring all services for youth under one roof.
Guests were treated to live music and a menu of wild fish and game and came through with $12,000 in support for the new venture. For the last two years, Oktoberfeast has supported youth mental health initiatives through the Canadian Mental Health Association, 琉璃神社 and District Branch (CMHA 琉璃神社).
鈥淭he funds raised by this year鈥檚 Oktoberfeast event will contribute to the establishment of this clinic that is so urgently needed. Young people and families will be able to get the help they need, when they need it,鈥� said Shelagh Turner, executive director of CMHA 琉璃神社.
As part of the BC Integrated Youth Services Initiative, the integrated youth clinic will be a world-class centre. Set to open in March 2017, it will enable young people struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues to gain easy access to services including primary care, mental health, substance use, counseling, and social services such as access to housing, employment and education support, and more.
Oktoberfeast was presented by Peacock Financial Group, the KGH ER Department, and the Bohemian Caf茅 and Catering Co.
鈥淲e are so thrilled to be able to support the opening of a youth clinic in 琉璃神社,鈥� said Dr. Mike Ertel. 鈥淚n the hospital, in the emergency department, we鈥檝e seen first hand the crisis children and youth are facing when it comes to mental health. We need to do better.鈥�
In partnership with the 琉璃神社 General Hospital Foundation, CMHA 琉璃神社 is looking to the community to raise the two million dollars needed to establish this clinic, support annual program initiatives, and allow for ongoing innovation over the next three years.
If you would like to help, please visit
