Community Partners

Pacific Blue Cross

Since 2007, CMHA BC has been proud to enjoy a strong community partnership with Pacific Blue Cross. In 2012 alone, Pacific Blue Cross generously donated over $57,000 and countless hours to work together to reduce stigma and promote mental health in BC.

In June 2011, Pacific Blue Cross hosted their annual charity golf tournament raising $49,200 for CMHA BC. Part of these proceeds supported the 2012 Bottom Line Conference on Practical Steps to a Psychologically Healthy Workplace.

In 2011, Pacific Blue Cross’ evergreening computer project resulted in a room full of obsolete computers. Bob Stevenson, Help Desk Analyst, and Pacific Blue Cross’ IT department raised $1300 through sales of these refurbished computers to their staff. All proceeds went to CMHA BC's Lorne Fraser Educational Scholarship program to fund a $1000 scholarship.

On March 29, 2012, Pacific Blue Cross took the lead again with CMHA BC and hosted the third annual Women & Wellness fundraising event. Over 200 women gathered at the Jewel Ballroom in Vancouver to lift their glasses and spirits raising over $22,900.

Support for Ride Don’t Hide’s Spin-a-Thon started with Pacific Blue Cross covering Michael Schratter’s travel insurance, along with promotion and involvement in the Steve Nash spin-a-thon events. These raised over $9000 for Ride Don’t Hide to host a barbeque for Michael at the Pacific Blue Cross provincial office as he rode through Burnaby to Vancouver Island. Staff and guests listened to Michael speak about his passion towards raising awareness about mental health and how we can begin shattering the stigma that surrounds it. A number of Pacific Blue Cross staff and families rode with Michael on the final stretch of his ride into Vancouver on November 12.

Pacific Blue Cross honoured Michael Schratter and CMHA BC in their annual calendar with a personal interview with Michael on page two, recognition and promotion of the Bottom Line Conference in the month of February and recognizing Michael’s triumphant return in November. Calendars were sent out to all their clients and contacts.

In addition to these outstanding gifts of time, talent and treasure, Pacific Blue Cross and staff continue to work with CMHA to promote mental health among employees, customers and our communities.

• Learn more about Pacific Blue Cross’ social responsibility and community connection initiatives at www.pac.bluecross.ca

Anne Kinvig, COO, Pacific Blue Cross and Bev Gutray, CEO, CMHA BC, share a laugh at the taping of the 2011 Mental Health Voices Award