Mood Disorders Association in need of funds amid growing demand for services
The Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba (MDAM) is seeing more requests for mental health services than ever before, and at the same time, it’s also facing challenges when it comes to fundraising
According to Rita Chahal, executive director of MDAM, the requests for resources are increasing “exponentially.”
Amid this demand for services, Chahal said mental health organizations are facing difficulties accessing the continued funding needed to ensure they’re able to provide the services needed to help Manitobans dealing with mental health challenges.
“The silver lining [from the pandemic] is that people are talking, so let’s continue talking,” she said in an interview on Wednesday.
“However, organizations like ours have experienced challenges, primarily in the area of funding.”
Chahal said that over the past few years, MDAM has faced difficulties with fundraising as it had to cancel three of its In the Mood Galas, a major source of its fundraising.
“We had to make that up so that we could continue to support and fill those gaps that are needed to support our community,” she said.
While the organization continues to work with those who have provided funds over the years, it’s still in need of more. Now, MDAM has launched the ‘Winter ASK Campaign,’ which invites individuals, corporations and organizations to support the work being done at the not-for-profit.
“If you want to support a particular program, if you want to support a workshop, be a major donor, we would certainly love to talk to you. There are benefits to supporting,” Chahal said.
GROWING NEEDS
Chahal said the requests for mental health services are especially growing in rural Manitoba.
She added that rural Manitobans are seeking out support for postpartum, anxiety and depression and that many young people are also looking for help.
“There just aren’t enough resources in rural [Manitoba] to be able to do that,” she said.
“Certainly, organizations like ours have satellite offices in each of the regions across the province, but the need is still very great.”
Chahal said the organization has plans for things they’d like to do; however, they can’t put them into action until they are sure they can meet their fiscal responsibilities.
More information about MDAM and the Winter Ask Campaign can be found online.
- With files from CTV’’s Nicole Dube.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'They needed people inside Air Canada:' Police announce arrests in Pearson gold heist
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
Disappointment widespread over budget's proposed $200-month disability benefit funding
Advocacy groups across Canada are expressing widespread disappointment about the amount of funding earmarked in the 2024 federal budget for the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit.
BREAKING Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter banned from NBA
Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter has been handed a lifetime ban from The National Basketball Association (NBA) following an investigation which found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors, the league says.
Earthquake jolts southern Japan
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4 hit southern Japan late on Wednesday, said the Japan Meteorological Agency, without issuing a tsunami warning.
ArriveCan contractor to be admonished by MPs in extraordinarily rare parliamentary display
Enacting an extraordinarily rarely used parliamentary power, MPs have summoned an ArriveCan contractor to appear before the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon to be admonished publicly for failing to answer their questions.
opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster
A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?
Gas prices across Ontario expected to climb to levels not seen since 2022, analyst says
Ontario is going to see a big jump at the pumps later this week as gas prices in the province hit levels not seen in nearly two years, according to one industry analyst.
Ancient skeletons unearthed in France reveal Mafia-style killings
More than 5,500 years ago, two women were tied up and probably buried alive in a ritual sacrifice, using a form of torture associated today with the Italian Mafia, according to an analysis of skeletons discovered at an archeological site in southwest France.
Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s sons have released a single together
A new Lennon and McCartney collaboration is the last thing anybody expected.