Ontario Shores Foundation for Mental Health is partnering with the non-profit Trees for Life to honour mental health heroes.

Together, they launched the “Trees for Hope” campaign.

You can buy a tree to recognize a mental health hero in your life. It could recognize someone’s mental health journey, the work of mental health workers or the advocacy of a mental health champion in the community.

The trees purchased will be planted on the ground of Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences in Whitby.

If you buy a tree, you will receive a charitable tax credit.

“As a mental health hospital, Ontario Shores is often surrounded by fear and stigma,” said Tracy Clegg, CEO, Ontario Shores Foundation for Mental Health. “Partnerships like the one with Trees for Life truly magnify the importance of standing with the mental health cause and Ontario Shores – the beacon of hope that it is. Thank you, Trees for Life, for enabling the opportunity to honour mental health heroes in this unique and symbolic way.”

“Trees play a vital role in supporting mental and physical wellness, with the benefits of time spent in nature including reduced stress and improved mood,” said Marina Dimitriadis, Executive Director, Trees For Life. “We’re thrilled to be renewing our partnership with Ontario Shores to expand their urban forest footprint and create a tranquil space for reflection, connection and meditation.”

Last falls, Trees for Life planted almost 350 trees on the Ontario Shores hospital campus with the support of National Resources Canada, one for each inpatient bed. They acknowledged the strength of patients and healthcare workers at Ontario Shores.

A news release says the new campaign will help expand the budding forest.

Photo courtesy of Trees for Life on Facebook