Amidst the COVID crisis, former board member, Darren Radies, experienced a medical scare. While Darren’s story turned positive, he realized “times like these make you realize that time is precious, and family is sacred”. Darren started with a personal gift of $5000 to support Kindred’s programs and services that strengthen our purpose of realizing the power of human connection. His courage inspired a deeper connection with his workplace, Acera Benefits - Fairfield Watson, which resulted in the company matching his gift. In partnership with Acera Benefits - Fairfield Watson, Darren’s vision of a strong community has evolved into our annual giving campaign which continues to highlight how one connection can make a big impact.
Giving season is upon us and marks the launch of our annual giving campaign 5 for Humanity ! Starting November 28th (Giving Tuesday) to December 31st, we invite you to help us reach our goal of $85,000 . With your support we can realize the power of human connection together by strengthening family functioning and improving the mental health and well-being of Albertans.
| Your support to Kindred helps us to change lives and reach those who need an extra hand most. Did you know 59% of young people aged 18-24 feel stressed, and of these young people, 42% don't have access to mental health support? At Kindred we believe in working alongside you to address the youth mental health crisis by bringing services right to families in ways that accessible and meaningful to them. We are proud to offer many services directly in schools. This offers a way to connect with youth and families in an environment that is familiar and presents other wraparound support to create a holistic approach. One way Kindred does this is through the Refugee and Immigrant Counselling in Schools program. Students supported by this program face all the complex issues teens today are managing - anxiety, suicidal thoughts, lack of acceptance, all while managing how to adapt into a new culture. The program aims to improve parental and youth mental health, strengthen connections, and improve adolescent behaviours. Your support helps to us to impact these families and many others supported by the wide range of services offered at Kindred”. | The Refugee & Immigrant Counselling in schools program supported a student experiencing suicidal thoughts. Through our work together, the student enacted a safety plan and brought in their natural supports to rally around them. These connections led to a restoration of a relationship with a closer family member for support. By engaging with the program and connecting to those who mean the most, the student has shared they no longer experience thoughts of suicide. |
Darren made an initial contribution of $5000, and then challenged his network to donate $5, $50, $500 or $5000 to match his contribution. This was a huge success in demonstrating the way connection creates an exponential impact.
Now it’s your turn, and we want to invite you to make one connection that will have an everlasting impact.
You can help realize the power of human connection by contributing your 5 for Humanity, $5, $50, $500, $5000, $50,000 or any amount that is meaningful to you, and telling just one person about it. Through our crowdfunding platform, a portion of your gift may be eligible for matching by the Government of Alberta - stretching your gift even further. Every $5 donation positively impacts the mental health of Albertans.
Please also consider gifts of securities and bequests or continuing your support throughout the year by becoming a monthly donor. Monthly gifts help reduce administrative costs and provides consistent funding that allows us to respond quickly to the changing needs of our community. To learn more about how to continue your support, please visit www.kindred.ca/donate
If you, or someone you care about, need access to timely mental health supports, please reach out to us at 403.233.2360 or email intake@kindred.ca.
*The Government of Alberta will match 30% of the first $1,000 per donor. This offer ends Dec 15. Your donations through crowdfunding have the option to be topped up to support the crowdfunding platform. This dollar amount does not support Kindred.
