Bell Let's Talk Event raises $1.5 million more for CAMH - the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

More than 200 companies and 2,000 guests joined last night to support world-leading mental health care centre and fight the stigma around mental illness

TORONTO, Oct. 12, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell announced that the 2012 Bell Let's Talk Event in support of CAMH Foundation has contributed $1.5 million more to support world-leading care and research at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

"CAMH is an important partner in the Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative, and we're very proud to support the redevelopment of the unique CAMH community campus. This world-class complex is anchored by the new Bell Gateway Building, the first mental health facility named for a major corporation in Canada," said George Cope, President and CEO of Bell Canada and BCE. "Such visible recognition of support is key to fighting the stigma around mental illness, which prevents too many Canadians from getting the help they need."

"Bell's generosity and commitment to mental health was certainly felt by CAMH staff and patients as we moved into the Bell Gateway Building this past summer," said CAMH President and CEO, Dr. Catherine Zahn. "With Bell's support, our historic Queen Street site has begun to transform into the hospital of the future, enabling CAMH to improve patient care, help build our city, and change attitudes towards people living with mental illness and addiction."

Special event guest Clara Hughes
Bell Let's Talk national spokesperson and multi-medal Olympian Clara Hughes also addressed event guests, talking about her commitment to Canadian mental health and reaffirming her close relationship with Bell Let's Talk.

"I can't quite believe all that we've been able to accomplish in just two short years with Bell Let's Talk. People approach me wherever I go to thank and congratulate me for talking about mental health. My Bell Let's Talk spokespartners in Québec, Stefie Shock and Michel Mpamara, tell me the same - there's just an outpouring of emotion and gratitude from people so happy that we can all finally talk openly about mental health.," said Clara. "Now that I've retired from sport after one last competition for Canada at London 2012, I'm eager to put my energy into keeping the momentum of Bell Let's Talk rolling. And I have a lot of energy! Please join me on February 12, 2013 for our third annual Bell Let's Talk Day - text me, call me, tweet me, call everyone you know about mental health that day. Together, we can finally wipe out the stigma around mental illness that unfortunately makes life so much harder for everyone."

On the last Bell Let's Talk Day, Bell donated 5 cents for each of the more than 78 million text messages, retweets and long distance calls made by Canadians that day in support of mental health - a total of more than $3.9 million in additional funding for new mental health programs across the country. The next Bell Let's Talk Day is set for February 12. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk. 

Thanks to Bell event sponsors and guests
"The success of Bell Let's Talk is driven by the incredible support of our sponsors, partners and so many other friends in the quest to promote Canada's mental health," said Mary Deacon, Chair of the Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative. "By being part of the discussion about the reality of mental illness, you're helping to reduce the stigma that prevents so many who suffer from seeking the help they need. Coupled with investments in access to care, enhanced research and new workplace standards, it's a conversation that will make a positive difference in the lives of countless Canadians."

The 2012 Bell Let's Talk Event was made possible by presenting sponsor Samsung and corporate sponsors Avaya, BMO, Huawei, LG, The Firkin Group and Resource Integrated. More than 2,000 guests attended the Bell event and more than 200 companies were represented.

About CAMH
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital, as well as one of the world's leading research centres in the area of addiction and mental health. CAMH combines clinical care, research, education, policy development, prevention and health promotion to transform the lives of people affected by mental health and addiction issues. CAMH is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, and is a Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization Collaborating Centre.

About Bell
Headquartered in Montréal since its founding in 1880, Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers and business with solutions to all their communications needs. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital media. Bell is wholly owned by Montréal's BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE). For more information, please visit Bell.ca.

The Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative earned international recognition in 2012 when Bell was awarded the global Freeman Philanthropic Services Award for Outstanding Corporation. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

Image with caption: "BCE President and CEO, George Cope, announced last night $1.5 Million raised at the annual Bell Event in support of CAMH (CNW Group/BELL CANADA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121012_C6433_PHOTO_EN_19158.jpg

Image with caption: "Bell Let's Talk spokesperson and Canadian Olympian, Clara Hughes, thanks supporters at last night's Bell Event fundraiser for CAMH (CNW Group/BELL CANADA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121012_C6433_PHOTO_EN_19159.jpg

Image with caption: "CAMH President, Catherine Zahn, speaks to guests at the Bell Event last night (CNW Group/BELL CANADA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121012_C6433_PHOTO_EN_19160.jpg

Image with caption: "Chair of the Bell Mental Health Initiative, Mary Deacon, and CAMH President, Catherine Zahn, at last night's Bell Event fundraiser in support of CAMH (CNW Group/BELL CANADA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121012_C6433_PHOTO_EN_19161.jpg

SOURCE: BELL CANADA

Jason Laszlo
Bell Media Relations
1-855-614-6602
[email protected] 
@Bell_News