KGH fundraising for Foundry Kelowna

On Thursday, June 1, the KGH Foundation is hosting its first, Day of Giving, to raise funds for the Foundry centre in Kelowna.

The day is a "call to action to the community to support excellence in health care for the 750,000 newborns, children, youth, adults and seniors throughout the interior of B.C," according to KGH Foundation.

The fundraiser focuses on the Not Alone campaign, highlighting youth mental health and substance issues - the same issues that the Foundry clinic aims to help solve.

In 2016, more than 1,200 youth were admitted to KGH's emergency department to be treated for mental health or substance issues. According to the province, one in five youth in B.C. are in need of mental health or substance use assistance, but only less than 25% are getting that help.

Student and goal keeper on the UBC Okanagan soccer team, Nicholas Reitsma recently spoke out about living with clinical depression in support of the Not Alone campaign.

Kelowna is just one of six locations in B.C. where the Foundry clinic will provide services for youth and family. Other B.C. locations include Prince George, Vancouver - North Shore and West Shore, Abbotsford, Campbell River, and Vancouver - Granville.

The Foundry facility focuses on helping both youth ages 12 to 24 years, as well as their families. The facility aims to compile 24 different agencies under one roof. From primary care to counselling services, clinical care and social services such as employment and house - all of these services aim to be accessible under Foundry.

KGH and CMHA in Kelowna are partnering with the Not Alone campaign and raising $2 million to help open Kelowna's Foundry location.

Have-A-Heart Radiothon has been running for 11 years to raise support for the Kelowna General Hospital. This year, Bell Media's Radiothon is focusing on the KGH Foundation Day of Giving.

For information on the Day of Giving event for Foundry Kelowna, visit the KGH Foundation website or call 250-862-4438.