21 projects in 12 communities
December 11, 2019
The Cameco Fund for Mental Health has awarded grants totalling $400,000 to 21 projects benefitting 12 different Saskatchewan communities.
The projects range in scope from education and training, to direct support for people struggling with mental health and addictions.
“Mental health touches all of us,” says Cameco CEO Tim Gitzel. “It affects us personally, through our families, through our co-workers and through our neighbours. It’s indiscriminate and it’s pervasive.
“Through this grant program, we’re pleased to support the organizations working hard to achieve positive mental health outcomes in our communities.”
The Cameco Fund for Mental Health, administered by Saskatoon Community Foundation, was established with proceeds from the inaugural Step Up for Mental Health event held in Saskatoon on May 11, 2019. The total raised includes 100 per cent of the walk/run registration fees and a matching amount from Cameco, plus individual and corporate donations.
Following a call for funding applications in September, submissions were adjudicated by representatives from Cameco, Saskatchewan Health Authority and Saskatoon Community Foundation. Of the 21 successful applicants, 18 represent registered charities and three are non-profit organizations.
“It can be difficult to talk about mental health and many suffer in silence,” added Gitzel. “In addition to raising funds, we hope that Step Up for Mental Health plays a role in promoting discussion and ending the stigma.”