Kyle Brandon Traves Foundation donates $500,000 to support the new York Region Mental Health Community Care Centre

Richmond Hill, ON – At their 10th annual Stomp the Stigma golf tournament on July 14, the Kyle Brandon Traves Foundation announced a landmark $500,000 donation to support the new York Region Mental Health Community Care Centre (The Centre).  

“It’s hard to believe that ten years have passed since we first gathered to honour my son’s memory and support the cause of suicide prevention through the Stomp the Stigma initiative,” said Bob Traves, speaking on behalf of the family and the Foundation. “As we mark this milestone, I find myself reflecting not only on the time that has passed, but on the lives we’ve touched and the countless people who have found hope, healing and understanding through the efforts we’ve made together. With events like this, we can continue to raise awareness, Stomp the Stigma, and offer a lifeline to those who are struggling in silence.”

The Centre, set to open in 2027, will be the first of its kind in Canada — a 24/7 mental health and addictions centre, providing immediate walk-in care for individuals in crisis, reducing the strain on hospital emergency departments. Once complete, The Centre will offer a range of integrated services under one roof, including assessment, stabilization, counselling and connections to longer-term support.

“This generous gift from the Kyle Brandon Traves Foundation is deeply meaningful,” said Rebecca Shields, CEO of Canadian Mental Health Association York Region South Simcoe. “It honours Kyle’s life while helping to build a place where people in our community will find hope and care when they need it most. The Centre will stand as a testament to what is possible when families, communities and partners come together to support mental health services.”

This is the largest donation CMHA York and South Simcoe has ever received from an individual or family foundation and will be formally recognized at a future dedication ceremony when The Centre opens its doors.

For more information about The Centre and to stay up to date on its progress, visit https://www.thecentre-yr.ca/.

About Canadian Mental Health Association, York Region and South Simcoe

Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health federation in Canada. Through a presence in more than 330 communities across every province and the Yukon, CMHA provides advocacy, programs and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive.

CMHA York Region and South Simcoe (CMHA-YRSS) is one of the fastest-growing branches of CMHA, supporting over 22,000 individuals last year alone. CMHA-YRSS' mission is to deliver quality mental health and addictions services that promote recovery and health, and end stigma. With more than 30 programs across the region, the organization is a leader in health care delivery and an active partner in research. Learn more at www.cmha-yr.on.ca.

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Media contact:
Ketzia Barron
Communications Advisor
Canadian Mental Health Association York Region South Simcoe
Kbarron@cmha-yr.on.ca  

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