Kawartha Conservation makes donation to Canadian Mental Health Association

MARCH 1, 2022 – Kawartha Conservation recently met with the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) at Ken Reid Conservation Area to present a donation in support of mental health initiatives across the Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, Peterborough and Northumberland regions.

CMHA HKPR representative Jack Veitch met with Kawartha Conservation’s CAO, Mark Majchrowski, and Director of Stewardship and Conservation Lands, Kristie Virgoe, to accept the $550 donation. This contribution was generated through community participation in Kawartha Conservation’s forest therapy program throughout 2021, which drew in over 50 participants across seven sessions.

“The forest therapy program was a huge success in 2021, and we are more than happy to use funds generated from these events to support CMHA HKPR,” said Virgoe. “The resources, education, and opportunities they provide makes a huge impact and is incredibly important for fostering a supportive and welcoming community.”

Three forest therapy sessions have already been hosted at Ken Reid Conservation Area in 2022, including two walks in recognition of Bell Let’s Talk Day, with many more planned throughout the year. The Forest Therapy program is made available to participants through donation thanks to the generous support of Kawartha Credit Union, who is providing funding for this year’s programming.

“We are very grateful for the support of Kawartha Conservation and this donation will help us as we work to continue to provide essential mental health supports to individuals in Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Northumberland,” says Veitch.

To learn more and get involved with the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, and Pine Ridge, visit their website at https://cmhahkpr.ca/.

To learn more and register for upcoming Forest Therapy sessions, visit the event calendar on our website. If you have any questions, contact Kristie Virgoe by phone at 705-328-2271 ext. 214 or by email at kvirgoe@kawarthaconservation.com.