JCI Gala Raises $33,515 for VJH Foundation Youth Mental Health Initiative

The 7th annual JCI Hospital Gala held April 16th at the Vernon Atrium Hotel and Conference Centre raised $33,515.32 for the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation in support of youth mental health.The Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Collaborative (CYMHSU) is comprised of youth, parents, family doctors, specialists, three government ministries, RCMP/police, school counsellors, Aboriginal groups and community agencies and aims to provide increased and timely access to integrated mental health services and supports.The local action team in the North Okanagan provides a mental health literacy program for youth, parental support, and youth-centered workbooks and therapeutic tools to children and youth admitted to VJH.“We greatly appreciate JCI and all its members for their support of this initiative, which will help to provide better health care to North Okanagan youth and families facing mental health and substance use challenges,” said Elise Allan, VJH Foundation president.The sold out event, ‘Pearls & Spurs’ featured a three-course meal, live and silent auctions, casino tables and entertainment by the Shawn Lightfoot Band.“We would like to thank the many sponsors and volunteers who supported this event to benefit the health care needs of youth in our community,” said event co-chair Sarah Moorehouse.Since 2002, JCI Vernon has raised $139,332 for areas of need at Vernon Jubilee Hospital.“It is rewarding to see our partnership with VJH Foundation make such a positive impact on families in the North Okanagan,” said co-chair Brandon Thacker.JCI Vernon is an organization for young people between the ages of 19 and 40 who have a desire to better themselves and the communities they live in. For more information on JCI Vernon visit www.jcivernon.com.Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation is a charitable society that supports health care in the North Okanagan by raising funds for Residential Care Facilities, Community Health Services and Vernon Jubilee Hospital.