Catch BCSS Youth at the Victoria Health Show 2023!
BCSS Youth Program Manager Mary Beth will be representing the BC Schizophrenia Society at the Victoria Health Show from January 21st to 23rd at...
Is your birthday coming up? Ask your friends and family to donate to BCSSF in lieu of a gift.
Are you an athlete? Walk, swim, bike, hike, or kayak for a good cause. Collect pledges from your friends, colleagues, neighbours, and family.
Do you have a special talent? Host a bake sale, art auction, or craft fair in honour of families struggling with severe mental illness.
Have a great fundraising idea but don’t know where to start? We are here to support you! We can help you create a fun and rewarding event or you can dedicate the proceeds of an existing event to BC Schizophrenia Society Foundation.
Call 604-270-7841 or email philanthropy@bcss.org
Need some ideas? Here are a few local community fundraising events that have happened in the last year.
Mad Hatters Parade & Tea Party
On May 26, over 200 people gathered in Memorial Park in Maple Ridge to join the Mad Hatters Parade and Tea Party, sponsored by Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Chance Casino, and made possible with the support of local businesses.
Catherine Larnon-Trout launched Mad Hatters’ Parade and Tea Party in 2017 and tells us why she started the event. “I wanted to increase awareness about mental illness – especially schizophrenia – and begin to ‘Change The Face Of Mental Illness.’”
Catherine continues, “By bringing people together for a fun day, filled with free activities, contests, music, and food, this event works to break down shame and fear, and opens the door for conversations.”
This event features fabulous live music, children and adults creating their own “mad hats” (at a hat-making station sponsored by the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association and Co-operators Insurance) before joining in The Parade of Hats around the park.
And of course since the event is also a tea party, Notch8 Restaurant at The Fairmont Vancouver Hotel donated and served a sumptuous high tea.
Now an annual fundraiser, Catherine how it all began.
Music For The Hearts
Established by a group of university students in 2014, Music For The Hearts is an annual concert of classical and traditional music that raises funds for organizations that help improve healthcare.
In 2017, they chose BC Schizophrenia Society to be their benefactor. “The decision was unanimous amongst the committee,” says Pedram Laghaei, founder of Music For The Hearts. “BC Schizophrenia Society is the only organization that is on the frontlines, directly supporting families, while also funding research.”
By inviting friends, family and community members to come enjoy an evening of music, food and guest speakers. Pedram and his team has successfully raised thousands of dollars for organizations like BCSS.
Cathy Parker Spins The Wheel at Save-On-Foods
Cathy Parker asked her local Save-On-Foods store in Surrey to do a fundraiser for BCSS.
Cathy and BCSS Regional Educator Hardeep Thind recruited volunteers and created a fun afternoon of games and activities. They educated people about mental illness and raised nearly $700!
Thank you, Cathy and Hardeep!
Bud's Big Fishing Derby
Dylan Eyers, owner of EatWild, and his family know firsthand the struggles of mental illness. His father, Bud Eyers, was a passionate fisherman who suffered from bouts of psychosis. Each year, Bud’s family and friends celebrate his life with several generations of passionate fishermen with Bud’s Big Fishing Derby, a fundraising event raising money for mental health education in high schools.
Over the years, Bud’s family and friends have raised more than $20,000 for this cause close to their hearts.