Saturday marked the launch of a campaign to support a local effort for a new youth mental health centre, Foundry Kelowna.

Save On Foods locations in the Central Okanagan are teaming up in support the Foundry, an initiative spearheaded by the KGH Foundation and Canadian Mental Health Association that will combine all youth services under one roof.

For two weeks, from June 11 to 24, Save On Foods staff will be asking customers to donate $2 at the till. All funds raised will go to support the Not Alone fundraising campaign, a $2 million initiative to build Foundry Kelowna.

91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 incredibly important for us to support this local cause,91裸聊视频� says Todd Ryder, assistant store manager at the Orchard Plaza Save On Foods, speaking on behalf of the grocery store chain91裸聊视频檚 six locations in the Central Okanagan. 91裸聊视频淎s a company, Save On Foods provides annual fundraising support to BC Children91裸聊视频檚 Hospital, so it91裸聊视频檚 exciting to have an opportunity to support youth here at home.91裸聊视频�

Mental illness affects one in five youth aged 12 to 24. Last year, over 1,200 youth visited the Emergency Department at Kelowna General Hospital citing acute mental illness and substance use challenges.

Foundry Kelowna will not only make finding help easier and faster, its focus on youth will raise awareness of the importance of early intervention for this vulnerable demographic

91裸聊视频淭he community support for this cause and campaign has been spectacular,91裸聊视频� said Allison Ramchuk, senior development officer with the KGH Foundation. 91裸聊视频淭o see businesses and individuals come forward and share stories and give 91裸聊视频� it91裸聊视频檚 nothing short of inspirational. It91裸聊视频檚 commitments like this from Save On Foods that are helping make a difference, reducing stigma and improving care for too many young people in Kelowna.91裸聊视频�