At the Virgil Canada Post office, a simple book sale is doing more than raising money \u2014 it\u2019s helping spark conversations about youth mental health in memory of a Niagara teen whose story has inspired a regional movement.<\/p>\n
Through the Canada Post Community Foundation, the post office is fundraising to support Pathstone Mental Health in Niagara and its Project Plaid initiative to fund mental health resources in the region.<\/p>\n
The post office\u2019s employees in Virgil set up a book sale, with the funds raised in October and November going to Pathstone. Brenda Benoit Ferguson, one of the employees organizing the fundraiser, said the sale has brought in about $500 so far.<\/p>\n
\u201cI kind of thought it would maybe be something we would only be able to do for a short time,\u201d she said. \u201cBut the amount of books we\u2019ve been donated is kind of amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Canada Post outlets across Niagara are holding their own fundraisers for Pathstone. One office is selling chilli, while another is selling plaid ribbons.<\/p>\n
Pathstone\u2019s Project Plaid runs this Thursday and Friday. Ferguson encourages people to wear plaid and donate. The fundraiser honours 18-year-old Amelia Durocher, who died by suicide.<\/p>\n
The initiative, inspired by Durocher\u2019s love of plaid, aims to raise $100,000 for Pathstone Mental Health.<\/p>\n
Ferguson said the effort goes beyond raising money.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is, of course, to raise money,\u201d she said. \u201cBut also to raise awareness and to start conversations, to talk about the importance of our youth getting the help, and you know, if our youth can get help now, imagine what they can be as they grow up.\u201d<\/p>\n
This is the post office\u2019s second year partnering with Pathstone. Last year, despite a Canada Post strike, they raised money by selling chocolate bars.<\/p>\n
Funds raised in October and November go to Pathstone, while sales after that support the community foundation.<\/p>\n
She noted that every $50 raised covers mental health services for one child. Pathstone Mental Health supports children and youth experiencing mental health challenges.<\/p>\n