Daycare vernissage raises funds for Mental Health at the JGH
Over the last decade, many have recognized the importance of good mental health in adults, but some are still learning about its significance in the lives of children. At least 70 percent of mental health problems have their onset during childhood and adolescence.
“We have seen children here at the daycare who are dealing with grief related to the loss of a loved one or a parent who was sick. It’s especially challenging for some of them this year in dealing with COVID-19. It is definitely affecting them,” said Susan Lottner, the Coordinator at K.I.D.S. Daycare – Technoparc Montreal. “Children from the daycare do benefit greatly from behavioural management programs. We had one child in particular who benefited greatly from the JGH’s program.”
For the last two years, the children at K.I.D.S. Daycare – Technoparc Montreal and their families have been fundraising to support The Centre for Child Development and Mental Health at the Jewish General Hospital. Raising over $1,600 this year, the children between the ages of one and five-years-old held an outdoor art vernissage for their parents.
“We have a program here called the Art Appreciation Program at the daycare. Basically, the children learn about a different artist every month, and then they use different techniques and art media to create art – whether it’s finger painting, collage, brush painting, etc. It all culminates into this vernissage and we thought why not support the JGH which is supporting the children from the daycare? It’s children supporting children,” Susan shared enthusiastically.
Providing programs and services to children between the ages of 3 and 12 years of age since 1966, The Child Psychiatry Department of the Jewish General Hospital consists of several interdisciplinary teams. These include the Early Childhood Disorders program, the Day Treatment program and the Out-Patient/Evening Hospital program.
The donation from K.I.D.S. was received through the Mindstrong Fitness Event which supported the complete rebuilding of the new Carole and Andrew Harper Psychiatry Inpatient Unit at the JGH. The inpatient unit has grown from 16,000 sq ft to over 27,000 sq ft., including a designated geriatric section and large occupational therapy room.
Last updated January 2021
“We have a program here called the Art Appreciation Program at the daycare. Basically, the children learn about a different artist every month, and then they use different techniques and art media to create art – whether it’s finger painting, collage, brush painting, etc. It all culminates into this vernissage and we thought why not support the JGH which is supporting the children from the daycare? It’s children supporting children,”
