Teck Supports Youth Mental Health in the East Kootenay

Teck Supports Youth Mental Health in the East Kootenay

November 26, 2021

Thanks to a generous donation matching campaign by Teck, the East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH) and Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child & Family Services Society, lead agency for Foundry East Kootenay, are very close to reaching the $1.4 million goal that will make Foundry East Kootenay a reality. Teck will match dollar for dollar, up to $100,000, all donations received for Foundry East Kootenay. Currently EKFH has raised just over $1,000,000 through community donations and grants since November 1st, 2020.

Jeff Hanman, Vice President, Sustainable Development, Teck, commented, “Teck is proud to support programs and initiatives that focus on mental health and wellness in the community. As a health care service designed for youth by youth, Foundry East Kootenay is an example of an innovative and progressive model of care and we are pleased to offer our support for this important initiative.”

Foundry East Kootenay is a walk-in wellness centre for all East Kootenay youth ages 12-24. Foundry East Kootenay will provide young people with multiple services integrated under one roof. The core services will include: primary health care (e.g. physical health, sexual health), mental health and substance use services, social services (e.g. vocational, educational, financial services), e-health services, and youth and family peer support. Foundry East Kootenay will also offer additional services based on local needs of regional youth and family.

Colin Sinclair, CAO for Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child & Family Services Society shared his appreciation for Teck, “We are so excited about the news of a $100,000 matching donation from Teck, which will go a long way towards making Foundry East Kootenay a reality. Having a community partner like Teck makes projects like these achievable and I cannot thank Teck enough for their generous contribution.”

Teck is one of EKFH’s largest supporters and has donated more than $500,000 to health care projects in the East Kootenay Region. Brenna Baker, Executive Director for EKFH added, “We are so thankful for the partnership we have with Teck. Their contributions have added so much benefit to all residents of the East Kootenay. We know that with this donation to Foundry, we will reach our goal before the end of the year!”

Foundry East Kootenay will be built around a holistic model, meaning it does not just focus on one area of support, such as mental health, but brings together services based on what each young person needs. It will also increase access to care by providing weekly walk-in hours, with no requirement for referrals or appointment. Foundry is built on youth and family participation in service delivery design, incorporating their input at all levels of decision making to more effectively meet their needs.

Foundry East Kootenay is looking at breaking ground in early spring 2022. To support Foundry through donation, please visit ekfh.ca/foundry.