By Grace Oborne

Not all heroes wear capes. Instead, most heroes are individuals who intend to make this place better for all people. You too can be a hero when you donate to Lowe’s Canada Heroes campaign.
Since Sept. 1, all corporate stores within the Lowe’s Canada network and RONA affiliated dealer stores, have been raising money to support a specific non-profit organization within the community. There are 311 locations taking part in this campaign, which will end Sept. 30.

RONA Cobourg selected the Canadian Mental Health Association (CHMA) to receive the funds they raise. Within the CMHA, the funds will be allocated towards the Four County Crisis Program which serves individuals that are 16 years or older in Haliburton, Northumberland, Peterborough, and Kawartha Lakes. It provides 24/7 care through phone service.
“We believe that mental health is such an important cause, especially in the time of COVID-19 where support systems for people may not always be easily available. We believe that it’s important for the Canadian Mental Health Association with their branch in the Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, Pine Ridge district to receive these funds,” said Campaign Captain of Rona Cobourg, Joel Taylor.
“Joel reached out to me wanting to know which program or service would most benefit from this funding and also what service would help individuals who are actually in a crisis. There’s definitely a need in the communities that we serve for a crisis program, and the Four County Crisis program collaborates with other community agencies to provide that 24/7 crisis support,” said the communications and community relations specialist with CMHA HKPR, Caitlin Mcintosh.

The Four County Crisis program serves the community’s most vulnerable individuals and has been around for 15 years. It started because there was a growing need in the community for a rapid response program.
“Studies show that the sooner you can get someone the help that they need, the greater likelihood that you can help resolve their crisis. Four CC is our only 24/7 program that runs seven days a week, at all hours of the day, and it supports individuals who are 16 years of age or older, who are in a mental health crisis. It also supports those individual’s families and loved ones who are in crisis or who are seeking support for a loved one in crisis,” said Mcintosh.

Last year, the Lowe’s Canada Heroes campaign presented 2.1 million dollars to more than 235 organizations. Individuals can either make a donation in stores at checkout, or they can make a donation during online orders.
Taylor expressed why the Four County Crisis program is significant and worthy of the funds they raise.
“The four CC program is very important because it is where people have the option to call for help anytime, 24/7, to get the support that they need when they may not have it elsewhere. To have someone to talk to, especially during hard times such as COVID, is one of the most important things,” said Taylor.

This is the first time that CMHA HKPR has been selected recipients of the campaign and have every intention of putting the money towards keeping the Four County Crisis program running. “The money will go directly into the safety program. It will go towards staffing to have support responders 24/7 for people in the community. It will also go towards equipment,” said Mcintosh.

“We know that suicide is the second most leading cause of death amongst youth in Canada, so bringing awareness to mental health, and keeping your mental health in check is incredibly important. It’s just as important that people feel okay to seek help if they need it and the money will go towards ensuring help is given to anyone who needs it. “The CMHA HKPR expressed their gratitude towards Taylor and RONA Cobourg’s efforts in raising money for their Four County Crisis program.

“We’re super grateful for this opportunity. We have a lot of different community engagement initiatives in Peterborough and Lindsay so it’s really nice to see the community in Cobourg coming to us with this idea and taking part and raising more awareness and money for mental health. We’re really grateful for the support of RONA Cobourg and for Lowe’s Canada,” said Mcintosh.

If you or someone you know is in need of immediate support, contact Four County Crisis at 1-866-995-9933.