RBC announces $100,000 donation to Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation

Focus on the mental health and wellness of children through new Mental Health Literacy program

CALGARY, Aug. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - RBC Foundation today announced a $100,000 commitment to the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation in support of a ground-breaking Mental Health Literacy program to be introduced in schools across Calgary. The program is aimed at helping students and teachers learn how to distinguish between mental health problems, distress and disorders and how to access support and resources. It incorporates mental health into everyday classroom discussion, reducing the tendency to sensationalize and ostracize those who are affected.

"We are extremely proud to partner with Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation to support the mental health and well-being of children," said Derek Neldner, regional head, Alberta, RBC Capital Markets. "For nearly 25 years, RBC has worked with the Alberta Children's Hospital and today's funding announcement will help specialists educate, provide a greater understanding of mental health issues and reduce stigma."

RBC understands the toll mental illness can take on children and families, as well as in the workplace, school and our communities. The RBC Children's Mental Health Project has provided more than $16 million to more than 200 organizations dedicated to providing early intervention, increasing public awareness and reducing the stigma of mental illness.

"We applaud and are so grateful to RBC for recognizing the need to address pediatric mental health issues - now the single largest health problem facing young people in our country today," said Saifa Koonar, president and CEO, Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation. "By helping people better understand and identify disorders early on, our hope is that kids can get the help they need before issues escalate into full-blown crises."

The Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation raises funds for excellence in child health, research and family centred care. Through the generosity of donors, the Foundation provides funding for innovative programs, state-of-the-art technology, advanced medical training and internationally recognized pediatric research.

RBC made this donation in connection with the Shaw Charity Classic, a Champions Tour event taking place from August 26 to September 1, 2013 at Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club in Calgary. As an official partner, RBC's contribution to this initiative will help the Shaw Charity Classic reach their philanthropic goal to raise money to support children's charities across southern Alberta.

RBC GOLF
RBC proudly supports golf around the world through high profile relationships with the PGA TOUR and Golf Canada. RBC is the Official Banking and Financial Services partner of touring professionals Luke Donald, Brandt Snedeker, Graeme McDowell, Hunter Mahan, Matt Kuchar, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Mike Weir, Stephen Ames, David Hearn, Graham DeLaet, and Morgan Pressel. As the title sponsor of both the RBC Heritage and the RBC Canadian Open, RBC also supports emerging Canadian golfers through Golf Canada's grassroots developmental programming, their Canadian Amateur Golf Championships and high performance national team. RBC is one of North America's leading diversified financial services companies and among the largest banks in the world, as measured by market capitalization.

SOURCE: RBC Calgary

Media Contacts:
Pamela Brown
RBC Communications
T: 403-292-3372
[email protected]

Belinda Lamb
Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation
T: 403-955-8821
[email protected]

Chris Dornan
Shaw Charity Classic
T: 281-703-4394 
[email protected]