Surrey, BC (July 15, 2024) – On Saturday, July 13, 2024, twenty-eight teams of paddle boarders gathered with local businesses for Surrey Hospitals Foundation’s Champion of the Crescent event, presented by EllisDon. The annual paddle board relay tournament fundraiser was a resounding success, raising $218,346 for much-needed youth mental health programs in Surrey.
Surrey Memorial Hospital is Fraser Health’s regional Centre for acute youth mental health services for children, youth, and young adults. Approximately 42% of BC’s children and youth live in the region, which at close to two million residents is BC’s largest health authority serving one-third of the province’s population.
“We know that about one in five young people in BC will experience a mental illness at some point, and our region is home to 42% of BC’s young people,” said David McFarlane, Founder, Champion of the Crescent, and Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, Construction, Western Canada, EllisDon. “It’s essential for us to support all aspects of our kids’ health, including their mental health, close to home.”
“We must look after our mental health just like we do with our physical health,” said Geneva Healey, Director, Child, Youth, and Young Adult Mental Health and Substance Use Programs, Fraser Health. “Addressing the problem early is key to preventing it from getting worse.”
Proceeds from Champion of the Crescent will go towards funding youth mental health programs such as music, art and recreational therapy. These programs have proven to have success in helping children navigate their inner thoughts and feelings and in providing holistic approaches to wellness and healing.
“It is truly touching to see so many people gathered to make a difference for youth mental health,” said Nicole Robson, President and CEO of Surrey Hospitals Foundation. “Their support means that children and youth, as well as their families, have a chance to change the trajectory of their lives with the best mental health care possible.”
Champion of the Crescent would not have been possible without the event’s sponsors and supporters:
- Presenting Sponsor – EllisDon
- Stage Sponsor – Flynn Group of Companies
- Course Sponsor – Houle
- Fun Zone Sponsor – Surrey Firefighters’ Charitable Society
- Picnic Sponsor – Safe Software
- Volunteer Sponsor – Jacob Bros
- Signage Sponsor – Astrographics
- Media Partner – Global BC
- In-kind Sponsors – Save-On-Foods, Starbucks
