Surrey, B.C.: Coast Capital Savings’ 15th annual Charity Golf Tournament has raised $260,250, bringing the total contribution of the annual fundraiser for mental health research to nearly $2.3 million.

The tournament, a sell-out again this year with more than 180 participants, benefits the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation in support of depression research with funds from the event supporting a focus on research benefiting youth.

“Youth continue to face extraordinary challenges when it comes to mental health issues,” explains Don Coulter, President and CEO, Coast Capital Savings. “The statistics are startling with over 200,000 children and youth in BC alone struggling with a mental illness. With so many lives affected by these illnesses, it’s important that we do our part to raise awareness and invest in programs that help youth manage and overcome these obstacles in their lives.”

Coast Capital’s community investments support youth, and through its Youth Get It Community Investment Program it is committed to supporting well-being in mental health by funding leading depression research at the VGH and UBC hospitals. In 2015, Coast Capital Savings invested $489,000 in community programs that helped decrease stress and depression in youth.

“The sustained commitment shown by Coast Capital is exceptional and deeply appreciated,” says Barbara Grantham, President and CEO for the Foundation. She notes that this commitment over time has led to other companies supporting mental health awareness and creating a safe space in the community to open up and ask for support in their struggles, particularly youth. “All of us know of someone in our life who is struggling with addiction, anxiety or depression. Coast Capital’s commitment encourages all of us to provide help and support to those who need it.”

Wayne Berg, Coast Capital’s Chief Commercial Officer and campaign chair for the 2016 tournament, noted the great contributions of both individuals and businesses in this year’s event held at Surrey’s Northview Golf and Country Club. He commended the organizations that signed on as sponsors noting that such strong community response reflects a shared commitment to bringing awareness to mental health concerns and the young people that they affect. 

“We are always thrilled to see so many local businesses making significant contributions to this fundraising effort. Coast Capital launched the tournament more than a decade and a half ago and it’s great to see such sustained leadership from the business community,” Berg said. “The success of this year’s event owes in large part to the valuable support of platinum sponsors: CRI Canada, Desjardins, Landcor Data Corporation, SEI Industries Ltd, Travelers Financial Group, and Worldsource Wealth Management.

About Coast Capital

Coast Capital Savings is Canada’s largest credit union by membership. A recipient of the 2015 “Outstanding Corporation” Giving Hearts Award, the credit union invested $5 million­­­­­­­­ into local communities in 2015, focusing on empowering and engaging youth. Coast Capital is one of Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures™, a member of Canada's Best Managed Companies Platinum Club, and an Imagine Canada Caring Company. It has 50 branches serving its 532,000 members in the Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island and Okanagan regions of British Columbia. Product innovations include Canada's first free chequing account from a full-service financial institution. To learn more, visit coastcapitalsavings.com.

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