(L-R): Stephanie Maguire, MNP, Wayne McNiven, Scotiabank, SMP students Alex Rudecki, Buzz Mason, Landon MacGillvray, Thomas McFarland, Shari Slattery, CMHA Kelowna, and SMP students Patty Massel and Rosie Mazzola.
The Southern Medical Program (SMP) Class of 2020 and the local medical community traded their stethoscopes for golf clubs for a fun afternoon on the links in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kelowna.
Over 40 medical students, physicians, and guests enjoyed eighteen holes of golf and a delicious dinner at the Harvest Golf Club on a sunny October day. Students raised $4,085 through golf proceeds and a silent auction with an additional $2715 in matching funds provided by Scotiabank. A total of $6,800 was donated to support Foundry Kelowna, a wellness centre for local youth.
“The annual golf tournament provides an opportunity for students and local physicians to meet in a non-school environment, while at the same time raising funds to give back to the community,” says Patty Massel, second-year SMP student. “As present and future medical professionals, mental health is something that is near to our hearts. When we heard that CMHA was opening the Foundry Kelowna, we were excited to continue our sponsorship, and help this important community based intervention flourish.”
“We are so grateful for the support,” says Shari Slattery, Fund Development Coordinator at CMHA Kelowna. “Foundry Kelowna intervenes early so young people can get the help they need when they need it in order to live their best life. We are seeing an average of 200 youth access Foundry Kelowna each month and for the vast majority this is their first time accessing mental health services.”