Mental health can upend a person’s life, as well as the lives of entire families. Yet it is still far too often shrouded in silence and stigma. The Lise and Giuseppe Racanelli Foundation, recognizing the need for action on this issue, is partnering with the CHUM Foundation by making a $2 million commitment over 10 years to support major advances in mental healthcare.
A deeply personal commitment
Established in 2022, the Lise and Giuseppe Racanelli Foundation has made mental health a cornerstone of its philanthropic efforts. This cause is also deeply personal to the family. Experiencing mental illness firsthand opened their eyes to the hidden side of mental health: the worry, the unanswered questions, the sense of helplessness felt by loved ones and, above all, the importance of acting at the very first sign of trouble. This experience inspired them to turn their hardship into an opportunity for hope and change, so that people affected by mental illness can access the support they need sooner.
Supporting innovative mental healthcare
This commitment will help the CHUM make progress on a number of projects, including initiatives to better support young people experiencing their first episode of psychosis and to integrate proactive psychiatric support into hospital care. The donation will also help the CHUM explore new therapeutic approaches in psychiatry and ensure care is increasingly responsive to the needs of patients.
“Our support for the CHUM Foundation reflects our desire to give back and invest in care that is more compassionate and accessible. Everything we do matters when it comes to mental health, whether it’s breaking down stigmas, supporting families or reminding people that there is no shame in asking for help. We hope our commitment will inspire others to get involved and make a real difference in the lives of people affected by mental illness.”
— Véronique Racanelli, President of the Lise and Giuseppe Racanelli Foundation
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
