When we engaged the community to update our strategic plan several years ago, we heard clearly that CMHA-WECB should be the “go-to” organization for mental health education, awareness and training. The Sole Focus Project became the vehicle for that engagement, reaching thousands of individuals through training sessions, education and events; all of this made possible by the $1.5 million dollars raised over the course of the three year campaign.
We made a commitment to report back to the community about the progress of the Sole Focus Project every twelve months of the three year campaign. We wanted to share our fundraising progress, but also the impact the campaign was having within the community.
As we celebrated the incredible achievements and the end of the official campaign in early 2020, we produced this report as a celebration and compilation of the impact the Sole Focus Project has had to date in the Windsor-Essex area.
Since 2017 numerous events have been held in support of the Sole Focus Project. Over $1.5 million has been raised in support of mental health training and education along with the Bereavement program. Both are not fully funded by the government and rely on community support for sustainability.
We are eternally grateful to everyone who has taken a stand for mental health in the Windsor-Essex community.
As the stigma continues to decrease we have experienced a significant increase in individuals and organizations who are interested in supporting mental health. In addition, our strategic partners and Ambassadors have played a pivotal role in the success of the campaign.
Some highlights include the Rock Your Sole series that has raised over $350,000 in three years. Watch for details about The Reunion Tour happening in October 2021.
The initial idea for Rock Your Sole started small, and just grew and grew thanks to the powerhouse committee of passionate, connected women with great ideas and drive.
Rock Your Sole has become the signature event of the Sole Focus Project and an event that people look forward to attending each year.
Ambassadors are at the heart of the Sole Focus Project. Their willingness to share their own lived experiences, to be open and honest and vulnerable in the hope that sharing may help just one other person out there with whatever they may be struggling with. The more we share, the more we reduce the stigma, and receive the help we need.
