As young Canadians face an unprecedented mental health crisis, a local insurance agent is stepping up with a financial boost this Giving Tuesday. Newmarket Desjardins agent Ryan Wilson has pledged to match donations made to youth mental health initiatives on December 3, amplifying community support when it’s needed most.
The timing couldn’t be more critical. Recent data from the Canadian Mental Health Association shows approximately 20 percent of Canadian youth struggle with mental health challenges, yet many face barriers to accessing appropriate care. Wilson’s matching initiative aims to chip away at this gap.
“I’ve seen firsthand how mental health support can change trajectories for young people,” Wilson told me during a conversation at his Newmarket office. “This isn’t just about writing a cheque—it’s about creating sustainable resources that kids can actually access when they’re struggling.”
The initiative will direct funds toward local counseling services, school-based mental health programs, and crisis intervention training—resources that provincial funding often leaves underdeveloped despite their proven effectiveness.
Giving Tuesday, the global generosity movement following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, has gained substantial traction in Canadian communities since its 2013 introduction. Last year, Canadians donated over $43 million during the one-day campaign according to CanadaHelps, signaling growing public recognition of community-based solutions.
Mental health professionals have welcomed the focused attention on youth services. Dr. Samira Ahmed, a child psychologist practicing in York Region, points to lengthening wait times as a primary concern.
“We’re seeing kids wait 12 to 18 months for specialized mental health services through traditional channels,” Ahmed explained. “Community-funded initiatives often fill crucial gaps, providing interim support that can prevent crisis situations.”
Wilson’s matching program caps individual donations at $500, but pledges to match the collective community contribution up to $10,000. The structure aims to encourage widespread participation rather than relying on a handful of larger donors.
“Mental health challenges don’t discriminate by postal code or family income,” Wilson said. “Neither should our approach to addressing them.”
Local schools have reported increasing mental health concerns since the pandemic, with guidance counselors managing higher caseloads despite limited additional resources. Kathleen Boyer, head of guidance at a Newmarket secondary school, notes the practical impact of community-directed funding.
“When community partners step up, we can offer specialized workshops, bring in guest speakers, and provide resources beyond what’s covered in our standard budget,” Boyer said. “These supplements make a tangible difference in how we support vulnerable students.”
For parents like Teresa Gonzalez, whose teenage son benefited from a similar community-funded initiative last year, the impact extends beyond the immediate intervention.
“Having someone to talk to during that difficult period didn’t just help him through a crisis—it taught him that asking for help is okay,” Gonzalez shared. “That’s a lesson that will serve him for life.”
The matched funds will be distributed to three local organizations specializing in youth mental health services. Each has demonstrated measurable outcomes in previous programs, including reduced hospitalization rates and improved school attendance among participants.
According to Statistics Canada, mental health-related emergency room visits among youth increased by 61 percent between 2016 and 2022. The trend points to both increasing needs and insufficient early intervention options—a gap community initiatives aim to address.
Wilson emphasizes that his matching program represents a broader Desjardins commitment to community wellbeing rather than a one-time charitable gesture.
“Insurance is ultimately about managing risk and protecting what matters,” he noted. “Supporting mental health resources for young people is perhaps the most important investment we can make in our community’s future.”
Donations will be accepted through a dedicated online portal or in person at Wilson’s Newmarket office throughout December 3. Contributors will receive tax receipts for both their donation and the matched amount.
For community members unable to make financial contributions, Wilson has arranged volunteer opportunities with partner organizations as an alternative way to support the initiative.
As provincial healthcare systems continue navigating resource constraints, community-driven funding mechanisms like this Giving Tuesday initiative highlight the growing role of local business leaders in addressing social challenges.
The impact will likely extend beyond the dollars raised. By focusing attention on youth mental health during the holiday season, the initiative may help destigmatize conversations about mental wellness when family pressures and seasonal stresses often peak.
As one young beneficiary of last year’s mental health programming put it: “Knowing your community cares enough to create these spaces means everything when you’re feeling alone with your thoughts.”
Community members can learn more about participating in the donation matching program by visiting Wilson’s Newmarket office or calling the dedicated Giving Tuesday hotline established for this initiative.
