HUNTSVILLE, ON- A lacrosse team has donated to regional mental health services to mark the memory of one of their members.
The Huntsville Jr C Hawks have given $869.00 to the Muskoka Youth Mental Health and Wellness Fund to honour Quinn Groomes, a Hawk who took his own lift in 2018.
The team had wanted to mark Groomes’ memory, and raised the funds during their opening game.
“For the rest of this season the number six will be left open as a year-long tribute to him,” said Debbie Reynolds, the president of the team.
Elizabeth Booth, Quinn’s mother, said it was important to raise awareness about mental health struggles among young people.
“It is very real and is happening all of the time,” said Booth.
“Our youth need to know that it is okay to talk about it and not be embarrassed.”
Booth emphasized the importance of supporting the fund, which helps organizations help kids in Muskoka.
Lynn DeCaro, the Executive Director of the Muskoka Community Foundation, thanked The Huntsville Jr. C Hawks and Elizabeth Booth for their support of the fund.
“This fund will provide financial support through grants to mental health and wellness programs that serve young people in Muskoka,” said DeCaro.
“We are hoping that we will be able to award our first grants in 2020”.
A fundraising event in Quinn’s memory will also be held for the fund in the near future.