Mental illness affects thousands of people across BC. It can happen to anyone at any time, and has devastating impacts – on people, families, the workforce and communities. Tragically, it is a disease largely shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding.

This is why we are so grateful to Coast Capital Savings Credit Union. Since 2002, Coast Capital has raised over $1.8 million for mental health research, including ten research projects ranging from brain imaging and genetic-based studies on mood disorders, to the evaluation of new psychological treatments for depression.

Long before it was considered a “safe” cause for businesses to endorse, Coast Capital actively advocated for mental health. Coast Capital leaders have mobilized awareness and engaged the business community in a dialogue about the impact of mental illness on the workforce and the economy. “One in five Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime,” says Don Coulter, President & CEO, Coast Capital Savings Credit Union. “With those numbers, it is safe to say that mental illness touches all of us in some way.”

“Corporate donations, like this one from Coast Capital, are essential to funding mental health research,” notes Barbara Grantham, President & CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. “When companies make philanthropic investments, they have the power to advance health care in BC. It means that health researchers like Dr. Erin Michalak can help treat bipolar disorder, and people like Victoria Maxwell can get the very best care.”

The efforts of Coast Capital Savings have profoundly impacted ongoing work at VGH and UBC Hospital, offering hope and healing to people across BC suffering from mental illness.

Coast Capital Savings will be hosting its 14th annual Coast Capital Charity Golf Tournament in support of mental research on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at Northview Golf & Country Club (6857 168th Street, Surrey, BC).  To get involved and for more event details: WWW.CCSCHARITYGOLF.COM

Funds are still needed to help us complete the new mental health centre at VGH.