Today, the Niagara community and even Niagara Falls is turning Plaid in support of #ProjectPlaid, a mental health movement in support of Pathstone Mental Health.

Following the tragic loss of Amelia Durocher to suicide in February of 2019, her mother Shanta Rangaratnam channeled her energy and grief into #ProjectPlaid. Plaid was Amelia’s signature style, whether she was out with friends, heading to class at Brock or to work at Winner’s you would typically see something plaid on Amelia.

Today, is Plaid Friday, where you are encouraged to wear plaid, talk about mental health and donate to Pathstone. A number of companies, schools, clubs and individuals have joined the movement including the Niagara Catholic District School Board with more than 50 schools planning their own #Projectplaid events. Earlier this week a number of schools and companies launched into the #ProjectPlaid spirit, including St. Michael’s Secondary School in Niagara Falls.

At Niagara Catholic, we are excited to join #ProjectPlaid. It is our goal to have students join this mental health movement by wearing plaid on November 26th, to continue to raise awareness about mental health in our schools. Our goal is to reduce stigma, while raising funds to support the excellent mental health programs at Pathstone Mental Health, that all work to support our students and their families.
Camillo Cipriano, Director of Education, Niagara Catholic District School Board.

We are so thrilled at the response from our community to this campaign and the conversations that are being held at work, play, and in schools around mental health and wellness. Those who are donating to the campaign should know that we are inching closer to our $30,000 goal, which will alleviate some of the pressure that Pathstone programs have been under especially through the pandemic.
Kim Rossi, Director of Philanthropy & PR- Pathstone Foundation.

Special offers to the public to mark #ProjectPlaid include:

ALL Meridian locations are selling #ProjectPlaid signature toques for $25 each. You can also donate to receive a #ProjectPlaid sticker.
Urban Cravings – 3 locations in St. Catharines and Foothill will donate $1 for every rice bowl sold today.
Harvey’s – Niagara Falls locations will donate $2 for every Angus Burger Combo sold.
Upper Deck – St. Catharines is donating 10% of food sale profits.
Zippy Drive– This driver service, donating ALL revenue this week.

At 10:15 tonight, Niagara Falls will be illuminated Black & Red, to mark #ProjectPlaid.

About Pathstone Mental Health

A community-based organization with a mission to provide innovative and effective treatment for all children in Niagara struggling with mental health issues. Thanks to support from our donors and volunteers, we are able to address and meet the needs of more children and their families. We are the primary accredited provider of mental health services for children in Niagara and a lead agency for the province of Ontario. We have been helping kids for over 50 years in Niagara. Note, Crisis & Support is offered 24/7 by calling 1-800-263-4944.

For more information or for assistance arranging interviews, please contact: Kim Rossi, Director of Philanthropy and Public Relations – Pathstone Foundation / Mental Health krossi@pathstone.ca or 289-969-8342.

The post TODAY is #PlaidFriday! Mental Health Movement, #ProjectPlaid encourages community to wear plaid. appeared first on Pathstone Mental Health Foundation.