Parade with a Purpose has partnered with the 91大黄鸭 General Hospital Foundation (KGH) for its next edition to advance mental health care in the community.

The event was created in 2020 by mother-daughter team, Pam Turgeon and Shadia Doty, after losing Pam鈥檚 son and Shadia鈥檚 husband and brother to mental illness and addiction.  

鈥淲e鈥檙e incredibly excited to partner with the KGH Foundation,鈥� Doty said in a statement. 鈥淭ogether, we have the opportunity to further our impact on acute and community-based mental healthcare, and create lasting, positive change.鈥�

The parade began with just three floats in Kettle Valley and has grown into a yearly holiday event in downtown 91大黄鸭.

Over the past four years, the parade has raised more than $700,000 for The Bridge Youth & Family Services, helping to fund the Phase 2 Youth Recovery House, a live-in program for youth aged 12鈥�18 facing serious substance use and mental health challenges.

鈥淲orking with The Bridge was truly transformative,鈥� Turgeon said. 鈥淣ow, with that goal realized, we鈥檙e energized to channel that momentum into our next chapter in supporting mental health.鈥�

This year鈥檚 Parade with a Purpose marks a new partnership with the KGH Foundation,

鈥淧am and Shadia鈥檚 courage, passion, and relentless dedication are nothing short of inspiring,鈥� said Allison Young, Foundation CEO. 鈥淲e are deeply grateful and incredibly proud to stand beside them and work together to strengthen and re-imagine mental health care in our community.鈥�

The KGH Foundation鈥檚 commitment to mental health includes the鈥淲e See You鈥� campaign in partnership with CMHA 91大黄鸭, the Child & Youth Advocacy Centre, 91大黄鸭 Community Resources, and Interior Health.

Another notable achievement is the opening of Foundry 91大黄鸭 in 2017, which supports young people experiencing mental health challenges.

Parade With A Purpose returns to downtown 91大黄鸭 on December 6. The community is invited to sponsor a float, volunteer, or attend the parade in support.