Bell Let’s Talk 2012

More and more companies are choosing to support Canadian mental health (see previous post about RBC). I meant to blog about Bell Let’s Talk last year but didn't get to it in time. Well, today's the day for 2012!

Join the conversation to support Canadian mental health!
Bell Let’s Talk Day is February 8 – Bell will donate 5¢ to mental health for every text and long distance call made by Bell customers on February 8 – 2011 total to beat is $3,303,961.80. The Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative is a five-year, $50-million charitable program based on four action pillars: anti-stigma, care and access, research, and workplace best practices. With
Bell Let’s Talk Day as its anti-stigma centrepiece, Bell’s initiative is providing significant funding for leading mental health hospitals and grassroots organizations, driving new workplace initiatives across corporate Canada, and supporting new research – including a world-first research announcement planned for February.

“At least 1 in 5 Canadians will suffer from mental illness in their lifetimes, but the unfortunate reality is that most won’t seek treatment because of the continuing stigma around the disease. Bell Let’s Talk Day sends the message to those who struggle with mental illness that Canadians want to listen and we want to help,” said George Cope, President and CEO of Bell Canada and BCE. “Mental illness is clearly one of the most pervasive yet underfunded health challenges facing Canadians today, touching each of us directly in some way and costing our economy at least $51 billion each year in lost productivity and opportunity,” said Mary Deacon, Chair of the Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative.

Since I am not a Bell customer I was happy to learn that the campaign is also connected to Twitter:
Bell is also encouraging Canadians to follow the campaign on Twitter at @Bell_LetsTalk and join in retweeting the Bell Let’s Talk Day message on February 8. For each such retweet, Bell will donate an additional 5 cents. Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund 2012.