New Horizon Co-op is excited to participate in the Communities in Mind campaign, an important initiative focused on raising awareness and funds for mental health support. This year, we are proud to collaborate once again with the Alberta Mental Health Foundation, Central Alberta Co-op, Cornerstone Co-op, South Country Co-op, and Westview Co-op across Alberta.

A Campaign with Purpose

The Communities in Mind campaign was first launched by Cornerstone Co-op in 2021, following the recognition of the mental health challenges Albertans were facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign’s goal is to support mental health initiatives and raise awareness around the importance of mental well-being in our communities. New Horizon Co-op is honoured to spearhead the campaign this year and participate for the third consecutive year.

How You Can Help

During the month of February, all New Horizon Co-op locations will be accepting donations to support mental health programs. In appreciation for your generosity, our staff will provide a heart for you to write your name and a personal message. These hearts will be proudly displayed throughout the campaign, creating a visual representation of our community’s support for mental health.

In addition to the donations, we’re excited to introduce a new element to the campaign this year. Our Coin Boxes will be available at all locations from January to March, giving customers the opportunity to contribute loose change towards mental health initiatives.

A Strong Start

Thanks to the generosity of our staff, we’re pleased to share that we’ve already raised $4,632 through our Staff Christmas Party, which featured a silent auction and 50/50 draw. This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to continue building on this momentum throughout February.

How Funds Have Been Used So Far

The funds raised in previous years have made a significant impact on local mental health initiatives. In 2023, $10,000 raised by our communities supported the Spiritual and Recreational Enhancement in Recovery project at the Northern Addictions Center. This initiative helped create a new spiritual room for clients recovering from substance use issues and upgraded exercise equipment to accommodate clients with varying abilities. Surveys revealed the need for more holistic treatment options, and the project is helping provide individualized recovery plans.

Currently, four programs are in the final stages of applying for funding from last year’s $10,000 donation, and we look forward to supporting additional initiatives in the coming months.

Join Us in Making a Difference

New Horizon Co-op is committed to supporting mental health initiatives in our communities, and we’re excited to continue this important work with the support of our customers and community partners.

For more information on how to contribute to the Communities in Mind campaign, please visit here.  If you’re interested in applying for funding, more details on the funding request process can be found here.

Please note that while New Horizon Co-op will be running this campaign throughout the entire month of February, the other participating Co-ops will be running it from February 10th to February 28th, 2025.

Thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on mental health in Alberta.

UPDATE: We’re thrilled to share that New Horizon Co-op raised $8,487.92, helping bring the total raised by all Co-ops to $80,129.17. Thank you for your incredible support!