PLENARY SPEAKER

In March of 2010, Eric Windeler lost his eighteen-year old son Jack to suicide. Jack was finishing his first year at Queen’s University, and although not showing any visible signs at home, he was likely suffering from debilitating depression or some other form of mental illness. Jack asked that no fuss be made of his passing, but rather, that help be given to others in need. To honour his memory, and with hope of some good to come from this tragic situation, Jack’s family established the Jack Windeler Memorial Fund. Partnered with Kids Help Phone, the Mental Health Commission of Canada and Mental Health First Aid, the goal is to increase mental health awareness and access to care for emerging adults across Canada.

Since his son’s death, Eric has put aside his business interests to work on this initiative, which has gained tremendous momentum under the banner of The Jack Project. In its brief history, The Jack Project has raised over $500,000 which funds two major initiatives: (1) a technology spend to support online counselling (live chat via computer and mobile), and (2) an outreach campaign to high schools, colleges and universities to educate students and staff on mental health and mental health helping basics. Both initiatives have the overarching goal of developing mental health awareness, education and support.  

The Windeler family’s story and their work establishing The Jack Project is a powerful reminder of what is at the heart of the vital work we do as fundraisers. In the midst of our professional development, with its focus on performance and methodologies to bolster revenue, it is important to be reminded of the very reason we entered this profession: to make a difference.