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