Chinook’s Edge receives $10,000 from Smiles Thru Lindsey
The Board of Trustees of the Chinook’s Edge School Division was presented with a cheque for $10,000.00 on March 11, 2020 as the recipients of this year’s Smiles Thru Lindsey Foundation grant.
The money will be used for a program that provides educators with support and training in identifying high risk or self harming behaviours in students in digital platforms, specifically social media.
Rick More, co-founder of the Smiles Thru Lindsey initiative shared the story of his daughter Lindsey, and her vision of creating a foundation that would provide children, teens and young adults who are navigating the difficult road of mental illness with the emotional and financial supports required to get the proper help.“We [the Smiles Thru Lindsey Foundation] are committed to putting mental health initiatives at the forefront of education in Central Alberta,” More said. “Educators have a profound opportunity to shape the course of a child’s life and this program will provide teachers with tools and strategies to support students who need an outstretched hand.”
Recognizing the success of early intervention through the school system over the last three years, the More family, through Smiles Thru Lindsey, has funded a Mental Health First Aid program for the Red Deer Catholic Regional School Division, as well as a literacy initiative which builds resilience and confidence in youth at the Red Deer Public School District.
“Every life that is saved through the initiatives supported by Smiles Thru Lindsey is because of Lindsey,” her father Rick said. “As her voice, we are proud to support Chinook’s Edge School Division as we work towards breaking stigma and advocating for those who need us.”
About Smiles Thru Lindsey:
Lindsey More had a contagious laugh, charming and outgoing personality and warm smile. She also hid something one in five Canadians battle with any given day: mental illness. In September 2015, Lindsey died by suicide. Since then, the More family has committed to helping others in Lindsey’s name through the Smiles Thru Lindsey Foundation.
