CIBC Wood Gundy The O’Neill Team donates $20,000 to support youth health and wellness during the pandemic
A mental health program for youth in London recently received a boost from a group of caring local professionals.
The O’Neill Team of CIBC Wood Gundy, generously donated $20,000 to The First Episode Mood and Anxiety Program (FEMAP) offered through Child and Adolescent Mental Health at London Health Sciences Centre.
Entirely donor-funded, FEMAP has helped thousands of youth with mood and anxiety
disorders get back on the path of recovery and wellness. The O’Neill Team wanted to ensure that this important service continued to be available to those in need during the world pandemic.
“Mental wellness is something you don’t value until you don’t have it and when you don’t have it nothing else matters,” says Patrick O’Neill, First Vice-President and Investment Advisor with CIBC Wood Gundy. “FEMAP is an incredibly impactful and important resource that the government just can’t totally invest in, so we wanted to support it.”
FEMAP is located in a discreet house on Richmond Street. Youth don’t need a referral and can make appointments online, by texting or by phone. Treatment includes psychology, psychiatry, social work, addictions counselling, family therapy, and group therapy.
“I run by the building frequently, but I didn’t know about the incredible mental health support that they are providing to our community,” says Jane Amann, Associate Investment Advisor. “It’s an amazing feel good to make this donation.”
The team has donated more than $100,000 to Children’s Health Foundation’s health care partners over the past four years. They made their gifts as part of CIBC Miracle Day. Every year, the team donates a portion of their revenue to help children and their families in need.
Passionate and committed to philanthropy, the team of four shares their excitement with their families. They engage their spouses and six teenage children in their decision-making process, along with a site tour to help them build social awareness and see the positive impact their contribution has had on their community.
They also strive to inspire their networks and their clients to embrace smart philanthropy.
“I believe everybody needs to thoughtfully do their part, especially during the global COVID-19 pandemic,” says O’Neill.
“There are many ways to make a difference. You can help by giving small gifts that have a big impact, providing leadership, having conversations or simply shining a spotlight on worthwhile organizations. It’s a great way for all of us to stop ourselves from feeling like victims of this pandemic and instead focus on the strength and support that is in our community.”
“You receive so much more than the organization you’re giving to,” Amann adds.
If you are inspired by The O’Neill Team, join them in supporting mental health programs in our community by considering a gift to Children’s Health Foundation’s Stand By Me campaign.
