The Legacy of Alex Kerswell will distribute $16,000 to support youth mental health and homelessness initiatives across Muskoka.
Alex Kerswell was a local teenager who died by suicide at age 17. Since then, his parents, Leanna and Shawn Kerswell, have organized annual fundraisers to support grassroots charities that help youth struggling with mental health, addiction and homelessness.
This year, funds raised through the annual fundraising dinner and silent auction held June 20 will be distributed to two local organizations. Mind-Aid and the Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka will each receive $7,500.
Jody North, Executive Director, Mind-Aid, said the funds will help keep their Mobile Hub Team on the road, reaching youth in the community who may be struggling and do not know where to turn.
She also said the funds will support their Navigation Service, which walks alongside young people and families to ensure they get the best care possible, despite the many barriers that can stand in the way.
Additionally, the funds will help cover the cost of therapy sessions not otherwise available to young people who cannot access the specialized care they need through free local mental health services in Muskoka.
Ali Medeiros, manager of Muskoka programs at the Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka, said the funds will help provide youth with more than just housing, offering stability, community and hope. She said the partnership allows the organization to meet young people where they are and help them reach their goals.
The funds will be distributed on Sept. 26 at Alex Place in Bracebridge, which was also named in memory of Alex Kerswell. The place opened in 2022 and is a 12-unit transitional housing program for youth aged 16–24 who are experiencing homelessness.
Officials also said $1,000 will be donated to the Legacy of Alex Gravenhurst High School Bursary Fund to help graduates pursue their post-secondary goals.
