In 2010, with the support of our closest friends, my wife Sandra Hanington and I started an initiative that would evolve into the national charity Jack.org. We wanted to redirect our grief from the loss of our son Jack to suicide and respond to a very clear need. Our hope was to help ensure that all young people in Canada have access to the mental health education and support they deserve. Eleven years later, the current context has demonstrated that the need for this work has never been greater.
Being stuck at home, unable to go to school or see friends, restricted from their usual activities ... of course all these things have had an impact on young people’s mental health, especially on those who are already struggling. In Ottawa, 30% more youth are accessing counselling and addiction services. Meanwhile, research from BC shows that two-thirds of youth in the province reported having mood swings, anxiety or suicidal thoughts during the pandemic, up from one-third before the pandemic.
Our wonderful supporters truly understood the need to support youth mental health, especially during this time, and they stepped up. Through spontaneous gifts, increased monthly donations, an incredible Jack Ride, and numerous DIY fundraising events, our supporters’ incredible generosity has exceeded our wildest expectations.