What if a simple evening with friends could help improve the mental health of thousands of people?
That’s exactly what you made possible by attending the third edition of our Mental Health Bingo Night, presented by Fairstone, held on May 21st at Entrepôts Dominion.

Thanks to your presence and generosity, we raised an incredible $52,030 to support mental health research and care at the Douglas Institute.

A joyful, unifying, and meaningful event
You showed up for an evening hosted with heart by the legendary MC Gilles, filled with team quizzes, exciting prizes, mouthwatering smash burgers from Mange dans mon hood, and refreshing Pit Caribou beers — all in a warm and engaged atmosphere.

Outstanding prizes offered by our partners
A huge thank-you to our partners for the exceptional prizes, including:

• A Lambert bag set and a gift basket from Karine Joncas Cosmétiques

• Four tickets to the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM)

• A pair of round-trip Air Canada tickets to Europe

• A L’Oréal gift basket + two tickets to the Orchestre Métropolitain

• Four tickets to the show Chiendent by Mégan Brouillard, along with a board game bundle from Gamekeeper Verdun

Together, we’re advancing research
This success wouldn’t have been possible without your involvement and the support of our sponsors, Fairstone and WSP. Whether by buying a ticket, attending, or spreading the word — you made a difference.

Thank you for supporting the Douglas Foundation and for advancing mental health research with us.

Shall we see you next year for an even more vibrant fourth edition?
Until then, take a look at our photo album from the evening: here.

Comedy Performances Supporting Mental Health

Jo Cormier, Eddy King, Megan Brouillard, Mariana Mazza, Katherine Levac and Christine Morency delivered outstanding performances that kept the audience laughing and applauding all evening. The surprise of the night? A special appearance by Jay Du Temple, who received an award for his commitment to the Douglas Foundation.

Committed Partners Supporting the Foundation

This success wouldn’t have been possible without the valuable support of numerous partners who contributed to the tremendous success of the Douglas Show:

Title sponsors: Pomerleau

Builders of Hope: Stikeman Elliott, WSP, and McCarthy Tétrault

Partners: Bell, IG Wealth Management, and EY

Ambassadors: Air Canada Foundation and Pharmacie David St-Jean Gagnon

A Promising Future for the Douglas Show

The Douglas Foundation is happy to announce the return of this successful event for a third edition in 2026. The funds raised will support innovative research projects and improvements in mental health care at the Douglas Institute. Stay tuned and follow us on social media so you don’t miss any news about the 3rd edition of the Douglas Show.

Support mental health research today by donating to the Douglas Institute Foundation and help advance breakthrough treatments for mental illness.

A Historic Success for Mental Health Research in Montreal

The 10th edition of Open Minds has just broken all records by raising an unprecedented $740,000 for mental health research and care at the Douglas Institute. This amount represents the largest sum ever collected in the history of this flagship event dedicated to mental health in Quebec.

 

An Exceptional Mobilization for Mental Health

Under the leadership of co-chairs Guy Côté, Sylvain Corbeil, and Marie-Chantal Côté, the evening, held at the Theatre Paradox, was a resounding success. The live auction alone generated more than $105,000 thanks to a matching gift provided by Sun Life.

“These funds will directly transform the lives of those affected by mental illness through groundbreaking research and specialized treatment programs at the Douglas Institute,” states Laura Fish, President and CEO of the Douglas Foundation.

 

A Memorable Experience for an Essential Cause

Guests enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere created by DJ LowGo, signature cocktails crafted by Brahm Mauer, and an exquisite gastronomic experience by Ristorante Beatrice. The dedicated organizing committee, composed of Laura Osborne, Nakin Plaski, Amanda Dawson, Heather Monaghan, Giselle Murphy, Andrea Buhl, and Jean-François Emmanuel, ensured a memorable evening for all.

 

Committed Partners for Mental Health

This tremendous success would not have been possible without the extraordinary generosity of our partners:

Presenting Partner: Sun Life

Gold Partners: Financière Banque Nationale Équipe Guy Côté, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, Intact Insurance, National Bank, Skadden

Silver Partners: CDPQ, Bell, Dialogue, Canderel, Power Sustainable, BLG, Agropur, Fasken, GDI, Manulife, BMO, Metro, Alimentation Couche-Tard, KPMG, Nova Steel Inc., McKinsey & Company, Lise and Giuseppe Racanelli Foundation and Albert & Florence Aziz Family Foundation

Bronze Partners: Deloitte, Sager Food Products, Osler, Gallagher, CIBC, Desjardins, Norton Rose Fulbright, EQ Bank, WSP, Kruger, Guillevin, Carré Tremblay Family Foundation, Teralys Capital, BDG, EY, Bank of America, Pêcheries Océanic Inc, TD Bank, BDC, MKB, Gardaworld, Tanguay, Sabbatini Family Foundation, Maroline Inc and Air Canada Foundation

 

A Lasting Impact for the Future

The funds raised will finance innovative research projects and significantly improve care for people suffering from mental illness. The Douglas Foundation continues to lead the way in mental health advocacy and research funding in Quebec and looks forward to next year’s event to continue building hope together.

Support mental health research today by donating to the Douglas Institute Foundation and help advance breakthrough treatments for mental illness.

Mr. Fortier’s appointment reflects his commitment to improving patient care, advancing research and innovation, and fostering a more inclusive society for those affected by these disorders.

“Supporting mental health research is crucial to providing concrete solutions for individuals affected by mental health disorders. As a society, we must invest in better understanding the underlying causes of mental illness, developing more effective treatments, and improving access to care,” says Philippe Fortier, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Douglas Foundation.

“We are thrilled to welcome Philippe Fortier as Chair of our board. His expertise and leadership in the business world are invaluable assets. We look forward to collaborating with him to strengthen our impact and continue driving progress in mental health research for the benefit of those who need it most,” declares Laura Fish, President and CEO of the Douglas Foundation.

In real numbers, that’s 1.2 million more Canadians giving in their Wills, creating roughly $37 billion in future donations.

Think about how much good $37 billion could do…how many acres of forest could be saved, how many diseases eradicated, how many people lifted out of poverty.

Think about what a big dent we could make in mental illness research and care.

Why the surge in Will-based charitable donations?

One obvious reason is an economy forcing us all to hold our wallets a little (or a lot) tighter. Donating in your Will lets you make a big difference without using the money you need now. Even 1% in your Will could make quite the impact.

Try the Will Power legacy calculator to see what 1% of your Will could do

This, coupled with an urgency to do something in the face of growing global need, has made gifts in Wills a popular solution. Inflation and cost of living may have put pressure on Canadian incomes. But the desire to help has never been stronger. Here’s a way for people to drive the kind of change they want, and it’s well within their reach.

Another reason is demographics. Roughly a trillion dollars will be passed down over the next 10 years, the biggest wealth transfer in history. It’s given many of us pause, realizing we probably will have enough to support family AND a charity in our Wills.

Lastly, Canadians are just getting more savvy with their money. This includes harnessing the power of Wills, RRSPs and other assets to give more strategically. More on that later…

Why donate to charity in your Will?

It might sound funny to think of your Will as a tool for change in this world, but when it comes down to it, there are many benefits to donating this way:

Contribute more than you could otherwise.

Our donors are always amazed when we tell them how far their donations stretch, and how much more we can do for mental illness research and care with every extra dollar.

When we show them what a small percentage in their Will to the Douglas Foundation could look like, they do the math and their eyes light up.

Remember, that the value of your “estate” is the sum of any property and/or business you own, your pension and/or registered funds, any securities like stocks or mutual funds, any cash savings, and life insurance. It adds up, even if you subtract debt. Imagine if you put just 1% of your estate aside for charity. When else could you make such an extraordinary impact?

Continue the good work you’ve done.

When a donor tells us they’ve left a gift in their Will, we often get into the “why”. Most speak about their work with the Douglas Foundation as an expression of their values; something that provides them purpose, pride or enjoyment. They see their contributions of time and money as an investment in reducing stigma and building hope for all those whose lives have been affected by mental illness.

So it only makes sense that they’d want their good work to continue on after they’re gone. Not just to keep their investment going, but also to show leadership and motivate others to get involved.

Keep your memory alive in a unique way.

Talk about motivation – imagine the pride your children or grandchildren will feel knowing that you’ve helped advance research in Alzheimer’s disease treatment and prevention? Or the honor it would be for them to be involved with improving patient care and advancing research in schizophrenia, depression and other mental illnesses? Your gift doesn’t even have to be that grandiose.

When your loved ones have something tangible, meaningful and bigger than you to associate with your memory, you will have created a legacy that future generations can rally around.

Tax breaks. Big ones.

Taxes probably aren’t the first thing you think about when it comes to charity. But Canada actually has some of the most generous charitable tax incentives in the world! In Canada, when you make a donation, you get a charitable tax credit that can go a long way to help pay down what you owe.

Your loved ones might need that charitable tax credit when you pass, because your estate is likely to be hit with a huge tax bill they’ll have to take care of. You can even structure your donation in different ways so that you get the biggest tax break possible.

If you’re interested to learn more, you can always book a consultation with a financial advisor who specializes in charitable giving.

How to write a Will that includes a charity.

It’s easier than you think. In fact, it can actually be fun to dream about the future and give shape to the mark you will make…

1. Choose the charity or charities you’d like to support. It’s wise to book a chat with someone at your charity to talk about your options and make sure they can fulfill your future wishes.

If you’re thinking about making a donation in your Will to the Douglas Foundation, thank you. You can speak to our Senior Advisor of Legacy Giving,  Julie Brown. You won’t be held to any commitment, or sent any additional communications if you wish.

2. Make sure you have their legal names and registration numbers. For reference our legal name is Douglas Mental Health University Institute Foundation, and our registration number is 10146 9609 RR0001.
3. Get a rough estimate of the size of your estate and what percentage you’d like to go to family vs. charity.

P.S. The Will Power legacy calculator makes this really easy.

4. Choose a lawyer or notary to draft your legal documents.

You can find legal professionals who can help on the Will Power website too.

5. Make sure your Will’s executor and your family know about your plans.

FAQs about donating to charity in your Will.

When donors find out about the option to leave part of their will to us, they almost all have follow-up questions. These (or variants on these) come up a lot.

What about my family? I want to leave everything to them.

It’s possible to support both family and charity in your Will. Think about your Will in terms of percentages. If you set aside even 1% in your Will for charity you can make a big difference (and help pay down taxes). And you’re still leaving 99% to support loved ones. It’s a win-win.

I don’t have much to give.

You might have more than you think. For example, donors are often surprised to hear that the RRSP or life insurance policy they have through work can be a smart way to give.

It’s worth taking stock of your assets. Even a modest amount can make a big impact.

Do I have to be wealthy to leave a gift in my will?

No, it’s actually middle-income Canadians who typically give this way. Did you know that the average donation made in a Will, from the average Canadian, is thought to be around $35,000? That’s the power of gifts in Wills!

How will I know what my gift accomplishes?

It’s true that you will not be able to see your gift in action. But when you leave a donation to the Douglas Foundation in your Will, you become part of the family. We share our future goals with you, and how your gift fits into the plan. Most of our legacy donors find they get closer to the cause.

What if I change my mind?

Remember, your Will is not set in stone. People generally update their Will at least a couple of times in your life. You can always make changes.

You might also consider tools outside your Will to make a legacy gift. For instance, you can name a charity as a beneficiary of your RRSP or life insurance policy, and make changes any time. No hassle, no fuss.

Am I too young to be thinking about this?

If you have any assets, you’re not too young to be thinking about what happens to them. Because if you don’t have a plan, the government (and CRA) do.

Is this all a bit morbid?

This is not about death. It’s about life; and your life specifically. It’s about the person you are, the values you demonstrate, and the example you want to set.

Not enough people think about their legacy, and take an active role in shaping it. It can be a very empowering process!

If you have any questions Julie Brown, Senior Advisor of Legacy Giving can go into more detail with you. You can reach them at [email protected].

Builders of Hope

This collective commitment has had a significant impact on our mission at the Douglas Foundation, helping to build hope for all those whose lives have been affected by mental illness.

The event was marked by poignant and enriching discussions. The presentations by Dr. Marie-Claude Geoffroy and Marie-Chantale Côté raised awareness with our guests regarding the value of a good mental health for women and the tools available to organizations for promoting it among their employees. The inspiring testimonial from Chelsea Cuffaro reminded us of the importance of resilience and hope in living with psychiatric disorders. Guests also enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by Le 9e, adding a culinary touch to this memorable event.

In addition to the enriching exchanges, each participant had the chance to take home a gift bag offered by Clarins and a sample of tea from Firebelly Tea, adding a pleasant touch to the experience.

We also want to express our gratitude to our valuable partners who supported this event. A big thank you to our main partner SunLife, as well as our bronze partners: Banque Nationale, RBC, and Fasken.

We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming initiatives and continuing to build hope together. Consult our photo album to experience the highlights of our event.

Thank you once again for your unwavering support and commitment to the Douglas Foundation.

Mc Gilles was back again this year to make you laugh and spend an unforgettable evening at Entrepôts Dominion. Everything was in place to provide a unique experience for our guests with a revamped food offering, sweet treats, a savory popcorn machine, thirst-quenching drinks and an all-you-can-drink milkshake bar.

We would like to thank all our guests as well as our collaborators who helped to create an unparalleled bingo experience filled with joy and excitement to win the many prizes that were drawn during the event. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to raise $62,000 to support mental health research at the Douglas Institute.

This evening would never have been possible without the support of our partners EY, WSP and the Air Canada Foundation, as well as the sponsor of the snack bar Fairstone. Check out our Flickr album now to remember the best moments of the evening.

We really hope that you will be with us for next year’s edition. Together, let’s build hope for all those whose lives have been disrupted by mental illness.

The Douglas Foundation team

Comedian Jay Du Temple will conclude the tour of his second one-man show FIN with a major challenge: crossing Canada by running and cycling. He is carrying out this challenge for the benefit of the Douglas Foundation to support mental health research and invites the public to support the cause now by making a donation.

Jay chose to support the Douglas for its international reputation in terms of research, care and teaching in mental health. The Douglas Institute is home to the largest mental health research center in Quebec: its objective is to promote mental health through understanding the causes, treatment and prevention of psychiatric disorders by applying cutting-edge scientific methods to the particular challenges posed by mental illnesses.

To support Jay Du Temple’s fundraiser, click here.

Open Minds 2024

Thanks to our wonderful donors and sponsors, we were able to make a difference and build hope for all those whose lives have been affected by mental illness by raising $530,000 to support cutting-edge research at the Douglas Institute. All of this success wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of our partners – DJ LowGo’s live music, the cocktail bar operated by Brahm Mauer and a delicious menu carefully by Beatrice Ristorante.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Lisa Giannone, Chairman of Open Minds ’24, Aphrodite Salas for hosting the evening, our exceptional organizing committee, as well as our generous partners for this unforgettable evening:

• Gold Sponsors: National Bank, BFL Canada & Intact Insurance

• Silver Sponsors: Nova Steel, Agropur, EQ Bank, Canderel, Danson Décor, Dialogue, Fiera Capital, Fondation familiale Albert et Florence Aziz, IA Financial Group, Métro, Power Sustainable, PWL et BMTC

• Bronze Sponsors: Air Transat, Alimentation Couche-Tard, AGF, Bank of America, BCF, BMO, Deloitte, Desjardins, Forest Insurance solutions, EY, KPMG, Manulife, McCarthy Tétreault, MKB, Medavie, RBC Dominion Securities, Revau, Sagard Holdings, Sager et Teralys Capital

We would also like to thank SAQ for sponsoring the alcoholic beverages for the evening as well as La Dent Sucrée for the delicious cookies that were offered to all our guests at the end. We sincerely hope to see you again next year for another evening dedicated to mental health.

You can consult the evening’s Flickr photo album by clicking here.