Cash Money and Kids Help Phone to Raise $30,000 by June 30th

Kids always face challenges growing up. Throw the pandemic in the mix and Canada saw an explosion of mental health landmines. In fact, Kids Help Phone saw interactions with young people increase from 1.9 million in 2019 to 4.5 million 2020. The number increased by a whopping 350% around March 15 when coronavirus lockdowns began.

Kids Help Phone is Canada's only 24/7 national service offering bilingual (English and French) professional counselling, information, referrals, and volunteer-led, text-based support to young people. Created in 1989, this unique telephone counselling service was launched to provide a way for youth to confidentially report abuse and access free support anywhere in the country. Today, Kids Help Phone is accessible by phone, text, mobile app or through their website at any time, for any crisis or need.

"We're always looking for ways to give back to the community," said Ally Taylor, Cash Money Regional Manager. "My District Manager, Sharon Gagnon, brought this organization to my attention during a conversation about the impact last year has had and how we can give back. We discussed mental health knowing adults are stressed from shut downs, job losses, health issues and helping their children with remote learning but then we asked ourselves, "How are the kids dealing with this?"

Ally and Sharon discovered the depth of impact on kids when they starting talking to a representative at Kids Help Phone. Without hesitation, Cash Money initiated a partnership and fundraising campaign. With the help of staff and customers, the goal is to raise $30,000 between now and June 30.

"It seems like all of us have been affected by mental illness and suicide," remarked Sharon. "I have friends who have had a child take their own life so this hits home for me. We're doing this to help provide awareness of Kids Help Phone so kids know they are not alone. Raising money means getting more counsellors and more phone lines. Plus, this organization rescues around 10 cases a day, intervening and preventing a child's suicide attempt, I want to help them save kids."

Anyone can donate in person at a Cash Money location or online at CashMoneyCares.ca.