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Mental Health to receive a $1 million boost from Canada Post Foundation

May 20, 2009

OTTAWA - Registered charities have until June 5 to apply for a portion of the $1 million in funding from the Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health. Grants applications will be reviewed and funds disbursed by the fall of 2009.

Last February, Canada Post announced that, thanks to overwhelming support from its employees, customers, suppliers and Canadians across the country, the newly-formed Canada Post Foundation had reached its ambitious $1 million goal for its first fundraising campaign. Subscribing to the adage that “every little bit helps”, a large part of the fundraising efforts involved a request for donations of a dollar at post offices, as well as $1 donations accompanying booklet sales of the Mental Health fundraising stamp.

“Hundreds of thousands of Canadians participated in raising these funds, contributing one and two dollars, as well as larger donations across the country,” says Moya Greene, president and CEO of Canada Post. “The speed and magnitude of the response shows just how strongly people feel about the cause of mental health. It’s very fitting that the Foundation can now use those funds to provide front-line support to those affected, and be able to deliver that on a grassroots level.”

Ms. Greene officially announced mental health as the company’s cause of choice in October 2007, making Canada Post the first major Canadian corporation to publicly support this often-overlooked cause and stigmatized illness. According to Health Canada, 20 per cent of Canadians will suffer from a mental illness at some time.

Guided by an independent board, the Foundation is inviting applications from registered charities to fund projects consistent with its goals of providing front-line support for those directly affected by mental illness and support to families who are dealing with mental illness. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. (EDT) on June 5, 2009.

The selection of grant recipients is expected to be completed by August 2009. An application form, detailed instructions and more information on the Foundation is available at www.canadapost.ca/takingsteps.