The inaugural Rogers Kaleidoscope of Hope Gala – to take place at the Westin Ottawa on Saturday, October 29 – will create awareness of youth mental health in Ottawa and increase help for the countless brave youth and families reaching out for support.
“Whether they are struggling with depression, bullying or suicidal thoughts, our young people should have access to the help they need,” said Sharon Bosley House and Tony House, creators of the event and parents of three teenagers. “As parents, we have seen close-up the distress of teens who face challenges that are too big to handle alone.”
The evening of dinner and entertainment will raise funds for the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa Charitable Foundation to increase mental health services for youth in the national capital region.
VIP guests supporting the Gala include Elizabeth Manley, Olympic and World Silver Medalist in figure skating; Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, a pediatrician and noted health educator known as “Dr. Paul”; mixed martial artist Daniel Puder, who founded MyLife MyPower to combat bullying among youth; and Leo Rautins, former NBA player, Head Coach of Canada’s Olympic basketball team and current Toronto Raptors TV analyst.
In Ontario, approximately 500,000 young people (1 in 5) suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder. A third of these cannot access the services they need. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among teenagers in Ottawa, and Canada’s youth suicide rate is the fourth highest among OECD countries.
Details of the Gala evening and live auction can be found at www.kaleidoscopeofhope.ca.