ATB supporting children’s mental health

All throughout October, Vermilion’s Alberta Treasury Branch (ATB) is hosting their annual Teddy for a Toonie program to raise funds for the Stollery Children’s Hospital.

Proceeds from their plush koalas, as well as chocolate sales and silent auction items, will be used to support children’s mental health.

“The Stollery sees over 200 children per month in regards to mental health, and we want to ensure they are given the proper care, compassion and help to find a pathway to recovery,” said Branch Manager, Shawn Frankiw.

“ATB has put a huge focus on mental health as there was a huge strain for people this year following COVID, and mental health affects every aspect of your life – work, play, etc.”

ATB says one in five children struggle with mental health issues including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and schizophrenia but only half of them get access to the help they need.

Silent auction items.

The province-wide program has raised over $10 million for children’s hospitals in the past 20 years.

“As staff, this is our way of giving back to the community for supporting us,” said Frankiw.

“The Stollery is something many people have used and we are pleased to be able to help raise some money for them.”

Frankiw said this year all non-profit fundraisers have been having it tough because there are so many things they are unable to do the same as in past years. They were especially thankful to local businesses for contributing silent auction items.

You can stop by ATB on main street Vermilion this month if you would like to purchase a Teddy Bear, chocolates, or place a bid on items from Bird Hill Liquor, Tara Lesback Hair Design-Cutting Edge Hair, Pink Peony, and Long’s Drug Store.

Vermilion ATB holds regular fundraisers every few months and Frankiw said she hopes that as an organization their community involvement continues to grow.