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West Fraser invests in Quesnel mental health

Healing and helping comes from seed investment with Quesnel Community Foundation
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Bob Salmons of the Quesnel Community Foundation announced the West Fraser Fund earmarked for mental health causes. (Tracey Roberts photo - Quesnel Cariboo Observer)

In recognition of Mental Health Week, the Quesnel Community Foundation is pleased to announce the new West Fraser Community Fund, formed by a $100,000 donation to our endowment fund from the company to support mental health and related community support services.

“We are grateful to West Fraser for their generous financial support, earmarked for mental health, which will go a long way to support local organizations making a difference,” said Bob Salmons, president of the Quesnel Community Foundation.

One in five Canadians lives with a mental illness each year. And since the start of the pandemic, rates of mental health illness have grown, particularly amongst young people.

“West Fraser is proud to be a part of the Quesnel community—where the company was founded—for nearly 70 years. As an organization committed to the health, safety and well-being of our people and our communities, we see our support of the Quesnel Community Foundation, and local mental health and related community support services, as a meaningful investment that aligns with our company values and goals,” said Keith Carter, the company’s senior vice-president for Western Canada.

“This West Fraser donation helps support everyone in the community, while also specifically helping to assist our most vulnerable,” Carter said.

This funding will become available during the Quesnel Community Foundation’s next grant cycle in the fall, when we will issue a call for proposals. The earmarked funds will be dispersed over time, in the form of grants, to non-profit groups and local projects working to make a positive impact locally.

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