Surrey, B.C: Coast Capital Savings' 16th annual Charity Golf Tournament raised $256,000 for mental health research, bringing the total funds raised by the annual event to over $2.5 million, the credit union announced today.
With more than 220 participants, the sold-out tournament benefits the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, and raises funds focused on supporting mental health research tailored to youth.
"Supporting depression research is crucial for the well-being of our communities," said Don Coulter, president and CEO, Coast Capital Savings. "Mental illness doesn't affect just one person; it impacts their friends and family too. With more young people being diagnosed every year, the funds raised through our tournament are more valuable than ever. On behalf of Coast Capital Savings, I want to thank all of this year's participants and our generous sponsors. Your contributions are making a real difference to these young people and their families."
In addition to the funds raised by the tournament, Coast Capital's community investments support youth through its Youth Get It Community Investment Program. In 2016, Coast Capital Savings invested nearly $2.3 million in community programs that help decrease stress and depression in youth.
"Depression, addiction and mental illness affect so many youth in our community," says Barbara Grantham, president and CEO for the Foundation. "It makes such a huge difference for companies like Coast Capital to dedicate their resources to raise this significant amount of money for the program as well as overall awareness of these mental health issues."
Jeff Wong, Coast Capital's Chief Business Transformation Officer and first-time executive chair for the 2017 tournament, applauds the contributions of both individuals and businesses to the success of this year's event held at Surrey's Northview Golf and Country Club. He especially recognized the organizations that sponsored the event, and share a commitment to raising awareness of mental health issues, advancing vital research, and helping young people and their families touched by mental illness.
"Over the 16 years Coast Capital has supported mental health causes through the golf tournament, awareness and openness around mental health has increased dramatically. From the beginning, local businesses have made an enormous contribution to this fundraising effort, and continue to show leadership," said Wong. "As always, this year's event owes its success in large part to the valuable support of our platinum sponsors: Bell Canada, CRI Canada, Desjardins, Deloitte, IDC Worldsource Insurance Network, Landcor and SEI."
About Coast Capital Savings
Coast Capital Savings is Canada's largest credit union by membership. An Imagine Canada Caring Company, the credit union invested $5.6 million into local communities in 2016, focusing on empowering and engaging youth. Named a BC Top Employer in 2017, Coast Capital is also a member of Canada's Best Managed Companies Platinum Club. It has 52 branches serving its 543,000 members in the Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island and Okanagan regions of British Columbia. Product innovations include Canada's first free chequing account from a full-service financial institution. To learn more, visit coastcapitalsavings.com.
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