On Tuesday October 2nd, well over one hundred community supporters gathered to celebrate and break ground on what will be the first natural playground and healing garden, built at a children’s mental health facility in Canada. Construction begins tomorrow (Oct 3rd) with the teams from Rankin Construction, Walker Industries and Mountainview.
“Thanks to inspired donors and solid community partners, by Spring 2019, children, youth and families of Pathstone will be welcomed into The Mountainview Natural Playground & Healing Garden, located at the Branscombe Mental Health Centre in St. Catharines.”
Kim Rossi- Director of Philanthropy & PR – Pathstone Foundation
Quotes from supporters who attended today’s ground breaking.
“My late father Nick always taught us that it’s better to give then receive and there is no better feeling then to have given and expect nothing in return.”
Mark Basciano – President of Mountainview on making the Lead Gift
“Mental Health and specifically children’s mental health has never been more important. To be able to be even a small part in helping over 6,200 children and their families in Niagara each year, deal with the challenges of mental illness is exactly what the Wise Guys is all about. Congratulations on your ground breaking for this innovative project and continued success in helping make Niagara a better place to be.”
Doug Smith – Wise Guys Charity Fund on why they chose to support Pathstone
“Contact with nature is becoming increasingly recognized as not only beneficial but essential for a healthy balanced life. Stopping to smell the roses, hug a tree, or marvel at a sunset can be life altering experiences.” As a steering committee member I was able to advocate for the inclusion of plant material that is indigenous to the “nature” of Niagara.”
Glenn & Linda Meyers – on why they were inspired to give
“Music has always been a huge part of our family, and paramount during our healing process. When we heard that Pathstone wanted to build this playground and include a music area, we knew just where we wanted Ben’s Memorial Fund to go.”
Samantha Berry – A client of Pathstone and supporter through the Ben Jeffries Music Memorial Fund
We couldn’t be more grateful to all of our generous believers and supporters. This space will be transformative for the young people we see at Pathstone. We know that time spent in a natural environment is calming, reduces feelings of stress, fear, anger and aggression and improves functionality, focus and self-esteem.”
Shaun Baylis – CEO Pathstone