Lloydminster, AB – During the start of training camp the Lloydminster Bobcats organization decided to further our involvement in the community by putting together a fundraiser to support mental health for our community’s youth.
Buzz the Bobcats is a fundraiser initiated by the Bobcats players, in partnership with the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation. Funds raised will go towards providing necessary resources for the Lloydminster Public School Division and the Lloydminster Catholic School Division to help local youth struggling with mental health as well as providing proactive programming. “We are extremely excited to work with the Health Foundation on this initiative as they have gone above and beyond when it comes to giving back to our community. As a group we understand that mental health is not talked about nearly enough and affects so many people in our community in many different ways. Whether you are an athlete, parent, youth or young adult, nobody should have to suffer in silence and we hope that we can do our part in changing that” stated Bobcats forward Jayven Leslie.
After thorough conversations with the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation, results from the recent municipal needs assessment, and communication with both the public and catholic school divisions, it is evident that extra funding is necessary for both divisions to take sizable steps forward in the area of mental health.
“I am incredibly impressed with the initiative that these youth have taken to initiate such a unique fundraising opportunity for our community and Project Sunrise; their maturity level and commitment to help others in need is both innovative and selfless. The parents, coaches and adults involved in these youth’s lives should be extremely proud of their philanthropic efforts. I am excited to work alongside such an ambitious group of young individuals, and help them reach their goal.”-said Stephanie Munro-CEO; Lloydminster Region Health Foundation.
In support of the cause, the Lloydminster Bobcats players and coaches will shave their heads if the goal of $25,000dollars is met. Donations will be accepted on the Lloydminster Region Health foundation website at www.lrhf.ca/eventsor at any home Bobcats home game.
The players chose to put the money towards mental health hoping to bring awareness to the situation and do their part in ending the stigma. On average one-in-five Albertans struggle with mental issues, in Lloydminster one-in-three people on average struggle with mental health issues. Ultimately the players hope to help tackle issues that affect our community so closely.
The Bobcats are excited to partner with the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation and the school divisions to help give back to our community’s youth! “It has been amazing to see from our organization the importance our players have put in this, full credit goes to local player Jayven Leslie and his teammates for making this initiative a reality. We would also like to thank Stephanie and the Lloyd Regional Health Foundation for working with our group, it just shows the community connection we are grateful to have” stated Bobcats General Manager Nigel Dube.
**All donations will receive a charitable tax receipt issued by the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation. Please provide Full name and address if making a donation in person. If donating online, you will automatically receive a charitable tax receipt issued to you via email.