Some of the recipients of the Cameco Fund for Mental Health include the Saskatoon Friendship Inn for a social worker on site, an eating disorder recovery group, and a return-to-nature program in Pinehouse to help families coping with addictions.

The donations and granting program are handled by the Saskatoon Community Foundation.  General Manager, Don Ewles, says just over $380,000 was raised this past fall from the Step Up for Mental Health Run, which became a virtual event. Twenty-two groups benefited from the fundraiser.

Even before the pandemic, Ewles says, mental health was one of the more under-served needs in most communities.  He cites the statistic that pre-COVID, one in three people would have a mental health challenge at some point in their life, and says now with the uncertainty and anxiety of the pandemic, mental health support is even more important. Today (Thurs) is Bell Let’s Talk Day which raises awareness to combat the stigma surrounding mental health challenges.