ST. JOHN'S, Jan. 18, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Mental illness is the leading cause of disability in Canada and a leading cause of death among many segments of our population. And it's growing. The A Dollar A Day Foundation exists to raise funds to close the gap between the availability of front line mental health and addictions programs and the growing need.
Alan Doyle, Dr. Andrew Furey and Brendan Paddick, who launched A Dollar A Day Foundation in February 2018, announced today that Johnson Insurance will be the Foundation's first official corporate partner. The partnership is the first of its kind for both organizations and through this partnership Johnson will not only be directing more dollars to important front line mental health and addictions programs but will help the Foundation reach its goal of directing 100% of funds donated by individuals to the frontlines of mental health and addictions care.
"We are delighted to confirm this partnership with Johnson Insurance" says Dr. Andrew Furey, A Dollar A Day Foundation Co-Founder and Dollar-A-Dayer, "When we launched the Foundation, our goal was to attract corporate partners who understood the impact that mental health and addictions has on their employees, families and friends. Johnson is one of those companies. They care about what is important to their employees. Johnson understands the importance of a movement, like A Dollar A Day, in finding long-term solutions to the often underfunded mental health and addictions programs."
Johnson President, Ken Bennett, joined the A Dollar A Day Co-Founders to make the announcement, committing $100,000 to the Foundation in 2019. "Johnson is excited to join this partnership with A Dollar A Day Foundation," says Bennett, "Mental health is very important to our company, our employees and our customers. We wanted to do our part, not only to put more money where it is needed most, but also to help change the conversation and empower individuals to own a piece of the solution of an issue that impacts each and every one of us."
"We are all impacted by mental health and addictions issues. Zero degrees of separation! While statistics can help to define the need, we can never forget that behind every mental health statistic is a real human being that simply needs help. A friend, a family member, a colleague," says Alan Doyle, Co-Founder and Dollar-A-Dayer, "We are very proud to partner with Johnson because they get that. They have a long history of seeing the big picture and supporting initiatives that have a huge impact on the lives of people in the communities in which they operate across the country. Together, we will make real change happen on the front lines of mental health and addictions care across Canada."
About A Dollar A Day Foundation
A Dollar A Day Foundation was established in 2018 to raise funds to close the gap between the availability of mental health and addictions programs and the growing need for them. Founded by Alan Doyle, Dr. Andrew Furey and Brendan Paddick, A Dollar A Day Foundation is a simple, affordable and empowering way to support frontline mental health and addictions programs. Everyone gives a little - A Dollar A Day. We put our small change to work for big change. And as we do, we'll create a social movement and build a stronger voice to make mental health a priority.
A Dollar A Day funds proven programs that are addressing the challenges that people are facing today. The Foundation looks for innovation, measurable results and the ability to replicate success in other areas of the country, with a goal to fund programs in every region of Canada. Individuals can sign up to give their dollar a day either monthly, quarterly or annually, based on their personal circumstances and preference, all in support of mental health and addictions services in Canada. In December 2018, the Foundation announced $60,000 in funding, committing $15,000 to each of their four charter causes; Thrive CYN in St. John's, NL, MHCC's Headstrong program in Calgary, AB, the CMHA's Living Life to the Full program in ON and the Salvation Army's Vancouver Harbour Light program in BC.
For more information about A Dollar A Day Foundation, or to become a Dollar-A-Dayer, please visit www.adollaraday.ca. You can also follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @adollaradayfdn.
About Johnson Insurance
Johnson Insurance has a rich Canadian heritage and opened its doors in Newfoundland and Labrador over 130 years ago. As a member of RSA Insurance Group plc. and RSA Canada, Johnson agents distribute insurance in Canada. The company is headquartered in St. Johns Newfoundland and employs more than 1200 people nationwide. Johnson is focused on providing their customers with best in class customer service and a broad range of products including travel, home and auto insurance. They are also one of the country's leading benefits providers. In 2017, the company had $1b in premium. For more information visit www1.johnson.ca and follow us on Twitter at @WeAreJohnson.
Johnson Insurance is a tradename of Johnson Inc. ("Johnson"), a licensed insurance intermediary, and operates as Johnson Insurance Services in British Columbia. Home and auto policies underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada ("RSA") in Quebec and underwritten by Unifund Assurance Company ("Unifund") in the rest of Canada. Johnson, RSA and Unifund share common ownership.