Since it was created in 2013, the Bal des lumières has become the largest fundraising event for mental health in Quebec. Under the theme “United for mental health,” the Fondation de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, the Douglas Mental Health University Institute Foundation and the Fondation Jeunes en tête will be holding the 3rd edition of the event on September 18, 2019, once again at the legendary Bell Centre.
At the 2nd edition in 2016, the three foundations raised a record of $1.4 million during an enchanting evening attended by 850 guests. The funds raised have helped educate thousands of teens and their loved ones every year about the importance of preventing psychological distress and to offer those in need the necessary tools for treatment and social reintegration, as well as to help finance two of the largest mental research centres in Canada.
Over the years, mental health has become a major societal issue. Companies' awareness of and sensitivity to the impacts of mental health is growing, and many are showing their commitment. Yet, much remains to be done to combat the stigmatization of mental health disorders. That's why we need to come together and continue to mobilize our community.
The National Bank, Bell, CGI, Sun Life Financial and the Club de hockey Canadien decided to make a joint effort for mental health and you can do the same by joining us on September 18. Together, let’s make a clear and unequivocal statement defending the importance to stop the stigmatization of mental health disorders and to support three of the most important foundation in Montreal that are working to move this cause forward.
collected in 2016 in the second edition of Bal des lumières
have attending the largest fundraising event for mental health in Quebec in 2016
will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime
The Douglas Foundation's mission is to finance the development of the Douglas Institute: patient care, research in neuroscience and mental health, and education and training. With the money raised, the Foundation continues its vital research on preventing and treating depression and suicide, mood, anxiety and impulsivity disorders, eating disorders, detecting Alzheimer's disease, child psychiatry, and the importance of early detection in the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychoses. The funds collected provide critical support to our teams of world-class experts in both clinical and basic research.
The Fondation de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal believes in universal access to specialized mental health care and the development of cutting edge research in the field. The foundation continues to improve the quality of life of its clients with a view to prevention, treatment and social integration. The Foundation also continues to support the activities of its research centre, including contributing to the development of the Banque Signature, a biological, psychosocial and clinical database of patients, and to the deployment of mobile applications for people with mental health issues.
Fondation Jeunes en Tête's mission is to prevent psychological distress among youth aged 11 to 18 in Quebec. With the money raised, the foundation ensures the continuation of its Partners for Mental Health program. This program, intended for secondary school students in grades 9 to 11, reaches about 48,500 young people each year province-wide to raise their awareness of the signs and symptoms of depression. By helping these young people understand depression, its symptoms and the resources available to them, we engage in concrete actions for a healthier society. In addition, Fondation Jeunes en Tête will consolidate its actions in Québec with a new presentation which will promote good mental health among students in grades 7 and 8. Its deployment in schools will be gradual, starting in 2019.
In Quebec, as elsewhere, mental illnesses create intense suffering for those affected, as well as for their loved ones. The latest statistics indicate that one Quebecker in five will suffer some form of mental illness over their lifetime. Mental illness alone is the second-highest cause of long-term disability at work. However, there are solutions to these problems, and recovery is possible.
Your participation in the second edition of the Bal des lumières will allow the three Foundations to fund a broad array of actions in support of mental health: awareness building, prevention, innovative treatment, quality care, advanced research, social integration and many more.
Under the theme of nature, perceptions and illusions, the third edition of the Bal des lumières will bring you in a fun, stimulating and imaginative universe where all of your senses will be involved during the evening. Interactive elements will allow you to be both actor and spectator, and to loudly show your support for mental health. Be prepared, a memorable evening awaits you!
Evening attire
Women : Short or long cocktail dress
Men: Dark suit and tie (Tuxedo not mandatory)
Contact us at lyse.lauzon@douglas.mcgill.ca or at 514-761-6131; ext. 2764 if you experience difficulties or if you have any question.
You can also make a donation for the cause.
We are proud to count you among our partners and we sincerely thank you for your commitment to the cause of mental health !
Administration and Events Manager
Douglas Foundation
lyse.lauzon@douglas.mcgill.ca
514-761-6131, ext. 2764
Executive Director
Fondation de l’Institut universitaire
en santé mentale de Montréal
carolemorin.iusmm@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
514-251-4000, ext. 2026
Director of Fundrasing
Fondation Jeunes en Tête
craymond@fondationjeunesentete.org
514-529-1000, ext. 239
