Pathstone’s School to be named after donor

St. Catharines, ON (July 20, 2021) – Today we are celebrating a significant gift that will leave a lasting impact for children who lean on Pathstone Mental Health for help.

A donation of $1 million from Mountainview Building Group owner Mark Basciano, will support Pathstone’s primary school on Merrittville Highway. Construction is already underway on outdoor play and education hubs that include two classrooms.

This school plays a vital role in Pathstone’s intensive therapy program where therapists work in collaboration with DSBN teachers. Students in grades 1 through 8 come from across the Region typically for one full school year. Our goal is to strengthen students’ emotional, social, and educational skills, to better equip them for future success when they return to their former school.

This Lifetime Impact gift has been earmarked for a number of major projects at Pathstone’s educational campus which includes an outdoor space designed to enhance student engagement and connect them to nature. Studies have long shown exposure to education and play in an outdoor environment improves focus and retention, reduces stress and anxiety, and instills an element of calm in young people. Kim Rossi, Director of Philanthropy & PR, Pathstone.

What I find incredibly inspiring is the passion of the people working at Pathstone and the way they splash their hearts all over, in the name of their students. We have seen first-hand the benefits of our past gifts and hope to continue to strengthen Pathstone’s ability to make a difference in people’s lives with this one. Watching people doing good moves me, and we at Mountainview want to do our part to make the walk easier for anyone who is struggling in any form. We are thankful to Pathstone for allowing us the opportunity to join their efforts in a significant way.
Mark Basciano, President of Mountainview Building Group.

Mountainview and Pathstone align in their core values, to strive for excellence in all that they do, lead by example, and demonstrate deep commitment to community. With Mark’s commitment to Pathstone, we are honoured to name our school after his company.

The Mountainview Centre for Innovative Learning will continue to serve as our primary school, and support other Pathstone programs. Our mission is to continue to move our organization forward through thoughtful, innovative thinking.

Mark truly understands the ‘big picture’ of investing in our children’s mental health. He is ultimately building a stronger and healthier community for generations to come and we are so fortunate to have Mark in our corner.
Shaun Baylis, CEO, Pathstone Mental Health.      

The entire team at Mountainview have been long-time supporters of Pathstone through sponsorships, lead gifts, and volunteer efforts. Mark’s first major project with Pathstone was the Mountainview Playground & Garden, a 10,000 square foot outdoor space, located at the Branscombe Centre in St. Catharines. Mark has also supported and mentored the philanthropic efforts of three local high school students who make up The Mane Event Team. This young group has raised over $40,000 for Pathstone over the past three years.

About Pathstone Mental Health

Pathstone Mental Health is a community-based organization whose mission it is to provide innovative and effective treatment for all children in Niagara who struggle with mental health issues. Thanks to support from our donors and volunteers, we are able to meet the needs of more kids and families in Niagara. Note, our Crisis & Support Line is open 24/7 at 1-800-263-4944.

About Mountainview Building Group

Calling the Niagara Region home, Mountainview Building Group has been constructing award winning communities and projects that meet the highest standards for more than 40 years. We aim to continuously improve the building industry, create sustainable and affordable options for future buyers, and to simply build excellence. Decade after decade, Mountainview continues to be honoured with awards for its work by the Ontario Home Builders’ Association, Niagara Home Builders’ Association, Avid Ratings, The National Association of Home Builders and Tarion to name a few. Our charitable commitments to Hotel Dieu Shaver, Niagara College, Community Care St. Catharines/Thorold, McMaster SickKids, Pathstone Foundation and others align with our mission to support the communities we so greatly value.

For more information and assistance in arranging interviews, please contact:

Kim Rossi, Director of Philanthropy and Public Relations – Pathstone Foundation / Mental Health
KRossi@Pathstone.ca or c. 289-969-8342.

Third Annual Fill the Pig, Feel Better Campaign surpasses goal in support of Mental Health

With a virtual effort in front of them, 15 local Youth Champions, powered by a Meridian Credit Union match raised over $31K for Pathstone.

With one month to hit a $30K goal, Pathstone’s Youth Champions knew what their marching orders were and hit social media with their message. They talked about the importance of good mental health, shared stories of their own struggles and encouraged the Niagara community to support the cause. Branch leads, at each Meridian Credit Union location across Niagara, were supporting these young volunteers too.

In past years, this campaign would kick off and wrap at a Niagara Ice Dog game with thousands of people watching and participating. With this year’s virtual effort, we relied on our exceptional partners at Meridian, and our Youth Champions to lead the way, tapping into their own network of people to elevate support for this campaign. One thing is certain; everyone’s mental health has been challenged at some point over the last year.

Our Youth Champions helped us expand our reach even further with their personal campaigns in support of children’s mental health. Kids helping other kids, no matter the cause is really, what this effort is all about. To be able to teach young people about philanthropy and the power of giving back, not to mention how good it feels should really be a community campaign in itself.
Kim Rossi, Director of Philanthropy & PR at Pathstone.

One of the most impactful stories of the campaign came just a few weeks ago. One of our younger Youth Champions, Aberdeen Smith was handing in the $2, 157 she had raised, at the Meridian on Kalar Road in Niagara Falls. A man, doing his banking asked her, “What is the money for?” When she told him, she was fundraising for Pathstone; he said to her, “We need more kids like you.” He then said to the teller, “I will match the amount she has raised, and take it out of my account.” And with that, Aberdeen had raised $4,288.

All funds raised through this campaign will support Pathstone’s Immediate Services Program, which means NO WAIT to get mental health support. Under the Immediate Services umbrella are our 8 in-person walk-in clinics, our video counselling program and our 24/7 Crisis & Support line which can be reached at 1-800-263-4944.

Meridian recognizes the importance mental health has played, especially through the pandemic. Today’s campaign wrap up means that Meridian has helped raise over $130,000 for Pathstone over the past three years. As a Meridian employee, and proud mom of one of this year’s Youth Champions, I know that together we are making a difference in our community.
Katarina Chataway, Grimbsy Branch Manager- Meridian

Aberdeen Smith, Age 8 – Fill the Pig, Feel Better, Youth Champion
Her Personal TOTAL, $4,288!

About Pathstone Mental Health

Pathstone Mental Health is a community-based organization whose mission it is to provide innovative and effective treatment for all children in Niagara diagnosed with mental health issues. Thanks to support from our donors and volunteers, we are able to address and meet the needs of children and their families as the primary accredited provider of mental health services for children in Niagara. Crisis Services are offered 24/7 by calling 1-800-263-4944.

About Meridian:

With more than 75 years of banking history, Meridian is Ontario’s largest credit union and the second largest in Canada, helping to grow the lives of 370,000 Members and customers. Meridian has $26.6 billion in assets under management (as at September 30, 2020) and delivers a full range of financial services online, by phone, by mobile and through a network of 89 branches across Ontario, and business banking services in 15 locations. Meridian Members also have access to THE EXCHANGE® Network, with more than 3,600 no-fee ABMs across Canada and 500,000 ABMs in the United States. For more information, please visit: meridiancu.ca, follow us on Twitter @MeridianCU or see our Facebook site.

Media Contact – Questions / Interviews;

Kim Rossi – Director of Philanthropy & Public Relations -Pathstone Mental Health/ Pathstone Foundation

Direct. 289.969.8342 Email. krossi@pathstone.ca

Nothing has been spared from the pandemic treatment or so it seems. This February, and for a third straight year, marks the start of the month-long “Fill the Pig, Feel Better” campaign.

This time around, over a dozen children and youth from across Niagara have volunteered to become Youth Champions for the campaign which is powered by Meridian, Ontario’s largest credit union and second largest in Canada, in support of Pathstone Foundation.

In past years, we relied on “passing the pig (piggy bank)” to collect donations. This year, we are asking Niagara  to contribute online, and help grow our goal thermometer. Our Youth Champions will also be encouraging support through their own social media accounts. They received campaign kits to help them make videos, create content and go LIVE about why they wanted to support the campaign, the importance of mental health, and where donations will go.

Our front-line services have been crushed with demand through the pandemic, which is now entering an eleventh month. All donations will be directed to our front-line programs that include:

Our Crisis & Support Line which operates 24/7 as well as our in-person walk-in clinic and our video counselling walk-in clinic which offers services Monday through Friday. Not only is this campaign a great example of how kids are stepping up for other kids, they are doing so at a time that is so fragile to everyone’s mental health. Kim Rossi- Director of Philanthropy & PR –Pathstone Foundation

Youth Ambassadors who decided to join us for this campaign are quite familiar with it.

Aberdeen started knocking on doors asking for donations for Pathstone when she was just 6 years old. Sevin, Duncan and Aidia who make up The Mane Event Team have raised over $40,000 for Pathstone and will be representatives for the Meridian branch in Grimsby. Addison who at age 9, launched her own company with proceeds supporting Pathstone, will be one of the faces of the Stevensville & Fort Erie branches.

Over the past two years, this campaign has raised over $100K for Pathstone. The need now, is greater than it has ever been. We are especially delighted to launch the Youth Champion program this year. It involves kids who can speak first-hand to their peers, and our community, about the lasting and positive impact Pathstone makes. As a Meridian employee, and proud mom of one of this year’s Youth Champions, I know that together we make a difference in the lives of people in our communities. Katarina Chataway, Grimbsy Branch Manager- Meridian

This year’s Fill the Pig, Feel Better campaign runs from February 1- 28th. To read more about it, our Youth Champions, and to make a donation, visit www.pathstonementalhealth.ca/fillthepig

About Pathstone Mental Health

Pathstone Mental Health is a community-based organization whose mission it is to provide innovative and effective treatment for all children in Niagara diagnosed with mental health issues. Thanks to support from our donors and volunteers, we are able to address and meet the needs of children and their families as the primary accredited provider of mental health services for children in Niagara. Crisis Services are offered 24/7 by calling 1-800-263-4944.

About Meridian:

With more than 75 years of banking history, Meridian is Ontario’s largest credit union and the second largest in Canada, helping to grow the lives of 370,000 Members and customers. Meridian has $26.6 billion in assets under management (as at September 30, 2020) and delivers a full range of financial services online, by phone, by mobile and through a network of 89 branches across Ontario, and business banking services in 15 locations. Meridian Members also have access to THE EXCHANGE® Network, with more than 3,600 no-fee ABMs across Canada and 500,000 ABMs in the United States. For more information, please visit: meridiancu.ca, follow us on Twitter @MeridianCU or see our Facebook site.

Mad Hatters Band, Isolation Station, Phase 2 “The Unity Hat”

He launched his second effort to support mental health in as many months at the cottage last night. Frank Pietrangelo of the Mad Hatters Band went LIVE on Instagram, sporting a new black trucker style hat, unveiling what has been affectionately been dubbed ISO-187, Phase 2, “The Unity Hat.”

After selling 186 of the Phase 1 hats, this Phase 2 effort will also be a limited edition and only available for purchase until August 8^th.

This is once again a solid showing of the commitment, heart and demonstration of community spirit we have in Niagara. Frankie’s friends, family and as well as mental health supporters supported this project from day one, through helping with design, printing, and distribution to purchasing hats, and telling others about the campaign. We at Pathstone feel very fortunate to have this type of support all around us.

Kim Rossi, Director of Philanthropy & PR, Pathstone Foundation/ Mental Health

When you become a part of Phase 2, you are supporting your kids, nieces and nephews, grand kids, cousins, friends and our community as a whole who lean on Pathstone Mental Health. We will walk together through this monumental life change, and support those who are struggling together.

Frank Pietrangelo, Mad Hatters Band, and Isolation Station creator.

The Isolation Station, Phase 2 Unity Hat is on sale now at https://shop.pathstonefoundation.ca/

Cost is $25, taxes included and 100 percent of the proceeds go directly to Pathstone to support the countless programs they offer children, youth and families in Niagara, including their nine walk-in clinics.

When you pick-up your hat the week of August 17 at Monkey Sports, we encourage you to Wear + Share it on social and tag @pathstonemh_Niagara and @madhatters_band.

To read more about how Isolation Station came to be, please read the story below.

The Story

It was Sunday March 15^, and as the COVID-19 pandemic continued to progress, Niagara moved to into full shut down mode in an effort to curb the spread. Kids were forced out of school, people out of work, and families were told to stay home.

It became a dark time for many who struggled to come to terms with this new reality. You saw income being reduced or lost, safety being threatened and social connections severed.

In the darkness of COVID-19, Isolation Station was born.

It was launched on Wednesday March 18, by Frank Pietrangelo of the Mad Hatters Band on Instagram LIVE. From 9 pm (or whenever his kids went to bed) until 11 ish this show, quickly became more than just Frank on his keyboard playing Bruce Springsteen from the garage. It was a meeting point that offered connection, support, laughs and yes, live music for all who were watching. It was a show about friendship and deep connection. The darkness of COVID-19 was a little brighter for two hours each Wednesday night.

Like any good show, Isolation Station continued to increase in popularity. There was no “sign on the door” of this garage bar, so long-time friend Tony Basilone designed one. The Isolation Station logo was a black circle, trimmed in gold with a lowercase gold “I” in the centre. There was a little light amongst the darkness.

When Frank sported a black trucker hat with this new logo, everyone wanted one.  Fast-forward to 186 hats sold and $1,239.17 raised for Pathstone Mental Health and momentum that will not quit.

However, the look and life through COVID-19 is changing.

While we are not complexly in the clear, the warm weather and fewer active COVID-19 cases is allowing some of our past freedoms to return.

In many cases, stores have re-opened, group gathering numbers have increased, but many workplaces are still closed, there is still a lot of worry and anxiety around the unknown.

As Isolation Station moves into Phase 2, we feel supported and a little brighter. For some, the COVID-19 shut-down turned into a time for people to reconnect with things they had long left behind due to being over-worked, over-tired, and over-committed.

As we join together in Phase 2, we are releasing Isolation Station’s Unity Hat.

On sale for 10 days only (until August 8). This, like the Phase 1 hat will be a limited edition offer, accompanied by a personalized letter from Frank.

When you become a part of Phase 2, you are supporting your kids, nieces and nephews, grand kids, cousins, friends and our community as a whole who lean on Pathstone Mental Health.

We will walk together through this monumental life change, and support those who are struggling because Niagara Never Quits.

Special thanks to Rob Orr at Monkey Team Sports by Northland for producing and distributing the hats.

Funding of over $26,100 means a safer place for students to learn and grow.

St. Catharines, ON – Thanks to a $26,100 Capital grant that was awarded to Pathstone Mental Health by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in 2019, a new generator has been installed at Pathstone’s school on Merrittville Highway. On Friday, MPPs Sam Oosterhoff, Wayne Gates and Jennie Stevens were joined by OTF volunteer Bill Williams as they met with representatives from Pathstone to hear more about the need for the grant and the long-term difference it will make for their programming.

“Investments such these demonstrate the importance of the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s work in local communities here in Niagara,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West. “With growing awareness of mental health needs, it is vital that organizations such as Pathstone have the capital funds they need to provide the world class mental health services our youth rely on. I wish to congratulate Pathstone on receiving this grant and thank them for the amazing work they do across Niagara.”

This Capital grant was a much-needed improvement to the building, as Pathstone has over 70 children and staff attending classes and mental health therapy sessions on site. The grant was requested as the building’s previous generator was over 30-years-old and was constantly breaking down. The age, fuel source, location, safety risk and efficiency of the unit made for a strong case to OTF for a replacement. With the grant, Pathstone unveiled its new natural gas generator that’s now installed outside of the building.

“This project aligned with OTF’s criteria for a Capital grant request. Being in a safe environment brings peace of mind to our clients, their families and our staff, which was at the heart of this project. We are grateful to OTF for recognizing the importance of this much needed improvement,” said Kim Rossi, Director of Philanthropy – Pathstone Foundation

 About OTF
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF awarded more than $108 million to 629 projects this year to build healthy and vibrant Ontario communities. For more information, please visit: www.otf.ca

About Pathstone
Pathstone Mental Health is a community-based organization whose mission it is to provide innovative and effective treatment for all children in Niagara diagnosed with mental health issues. We are a lead agency and the only accredited provider of mental health services for children in Niagara.

Crisis Services are offered 24/7 by calling 1-800-263-4944.

Media Contact – for Questions / Interviews; Kim Rossi – Director of Philanthropy & Public Relations  o. 905.688.6850 x 167  c. 289.969.8342 e. krossi@pathstone.ca