This means we must fundraise 70% (approximately $900,000) of our operating budget per year to provide our free 24-hour programs.
In addition, we see gaps in the community where DCGT can connect with community members and address additional support needs. Below are the programs and services that greatly impact the mental health of our community. We invite you to be part of the solution by helping those in the GTA become more connected and less isolated.
This fund consists of operating needs that go over and above our annual funding agreements. To assist thousands of people within the GTA, each year we must recruit, train and support a complement of 600 volunteers. To ensure that our volunteers are ready to support the most vulnerable and at-risk in our community, extensive recruitment, training, technology investment and staff support are required.
$1,500 per year for 600 volunteers to support 187,200 Crisis Calls
This fund was started in 2023 by former Board Member Alain Thibault. Alain, a fellow survivor of suicide loss was always impressed with the tender care and dedication volunteers provided to the community. Alain wanted to create this fund to celebrate DCGT volunteers and ensure they were supported with their career trajectories, mental health and connection within a virtual/hybrid world.
$15,000
Items to thank volunteers throughout the year for their dedication and support. (i.e. Swag for Leadership Volunteers)
$12,500
Annual costs associated with creating and implementation of training credentials via Credly.
$5,000
Costs associated with offering 4 to 6 free professional development webinars/courses to volunteers to support their role.
$2,500
Mary Fix graduated from Osgoode School of Law in 1918 to become Ottawa’s first female lawyer. Mary entered politics in 1953 becoming Toronto Township’s first female politician. Upon her death, Mary left her home and land to the Region of Peel and bequeathed that Distress Centres Mississauga operate in her home. Since the 70’s DCGT has been the steward of Mary’s home, but it needs restoration and upgrades to make the space more functional and comfortable to operate within. We also want to open the grounds again and share the space with the community by creating a relaxing, fun, and meditative space in honour of the community that Mary so proudly served.
Update from electric baseboard heaters
$45,000
Create safe space for community and staff to use
$30,000
Provide safety to staff, volunteers, and community
$25,000
