Calling all Torontonians: Let's step forward for youth mental health!
Registration now open for 2018 RBC Race for the Kids
TORONTO, May 10, 2018 /CNW/ - Registration is now open for the sixth annual RBC Race for the Kids in support of Family Navigation Project (FNP) at Sunnybrook Health Science's Centre. Focused on supporting youth aged 13 to 26 struggling with mental health and addiction, the FNP has helped change the lives of more than 2,100 families across the GTA and Province. The annual event takes place on Saturday, September 15, 2018 where thousands of people will run, walk or stroll in their choice of 5K walk/run, 7K run or 15K run. Participants are encouraged to register early before the race sells out.
The Family Navigation Project at Sunnybrook connects families of youth with mental illness and/or addiction with clinically-trained navigators, who help them access the specialized services they need. The Family Navigation Project's network includes more than 1,100 treatment providers, centres and programs within Ontario and beyond. Since 2013, the RBC Race for the Kids has raised $9.6 million for the project.
"Helping young people thrive is part of RBC's core values, and we're so pleased to partner again with Sunnybrook in support of the Family Navigation Project," said Patti Shugart, Managing Director and Global Head, Corporate Banking and Global Credit, RBC Capital Markets. "The RBC Race for the Kids directly helps local youth who are struggling with mental health issues and ensures they can access the care they need, when they need it most."
A recent Ontario-wide survey by the Family Navigation Project confirms the growing need for mental health navigation services. Thirty per cent of Ontario families are caring for at least one youth with mental illness and/or addiction. Of those seeking treatment, 21 per cent are on a wait list, with over half waiting more than six months for care.
"The need is great and so is our commitment to continuing to make a difference in the lives of young people and their families," says Dr. Anthony Levitt, a Sunnybrook psychiatrist who founded the Family Navigation Project together with a group of parents. "We couldn't accomplish any of this without the generous support of RBC and the many supporters who join in the RBC Race for the Kids each year."
Registration and complete race details are available at rbcraceforthekids.ca
To learn more about the Family Navigation Project, visit sunnybrook.ca/familynavigation
SOURCE Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
For media enquiries, contact: Jennifer Palisoc, Communications Advisor, Sunnybrook, 416-480-4040, [email protected]; Michelle Yao, Senior Manager, Brand Communications, RBC, (647) 618-3792, [email protected]
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