FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Foundry Burnaby and Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation Enter Fundraising Partnership
Burnaby, BC – BC Centre for Ability (BCCFA) and Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation (BHCF) are pleased to announce they have entered a fundraising partnership to support the development of Foundry Burnaby.
As the lead agency for Foundry Burnaby, BCCFA is overseeing the capital campaign to support the development of Foundry Burnaby with a funding goal of $2 million. BHCF has committed to raising $1 million toward this campaign, which is an incredible contribution to the development, renovation, and equipping of the space at 6889 Royal Oak for delivering services to youth and their families.
This partnership represents a transformative investment in Burnaby’s young people by bringing together health, social, and community services in a way that has never existed locally. By addressing existing service gaps and building a model tailored to the unique needs of Burnaby’s diverse population, this initiative will create an integrated hub of support that strengthens the foundation for a healthier future for youth and their families.
Now more than ever, we need to offer every young person and caregiver across BC a place to go where they can feel safe and find the help they need, when they need it. Foundry Burnaby is a community-led initiative grounded in the expertise of youth, families, and local partners, who play an active role in its governance and decision‑making.
“The partnership between BC Centre for Ability and Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation is a game changer for the Foundry Burnaby project. BHCF’s commitment to this project will be the catalyst for this important service opening and being available to young people in Burnaby now and into the future. We are incredibly grateful for BHCF’s commitment to this project and to the health and well-being of youth and young adults in our community.” – Joshua Myers, CEO, BC Centre for Ability
“At Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation, we invest in care where it’s needed most, both inside and beyond the hospital. Foundry Burnaby is a powerful example of prevention and early intervention, helping young people access mental health supports before crisis. We’re proud to partner with BC Centre for Ability and Foundry BC to strengthen the health of Burnaby’s youth, families, and community.” – Kristy James, President & CEO, Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation
“The opening of Foundry Burnaby will be a transformational shift; enabling young people and their caregivers to access integrated health and social services closer to home. This partnership reflects the community’s shared commitment to youth wellness, and we’re grateful to BCCFA and the Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation for helping bring this vision to life. Together, we’re creating a space where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered.” – Steve Mathias, Co-Executive Director, Foundry
"This partnership demonstrates how strong community leadership can work hand in hand with provincial efforts to improve services for young people. The commitment shown by BCCFA and the Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation adds meaningful support to the work already underway to expand integrated care in Burnaby. Their dedication helps ensure Foundry Burnaby will open its doors as a welcoming space where youth can access coordinated, culturally informed supports close to home." – Amna Shah, Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health and Addictions
Foundry is removing barriers and increasing access to quality care through our province-wide network of integrated wellness centres for young people ages 12 to 24 and their caregivers. By bringing together mental health, substance use health, primary and sexual health care, youth and family peer support, and work, education and community services, Foundry makes it easier for young people to find support in their communities. Foundry is possible because of meaningful partnerships with government, youth and family engagement, donor support, and collaboration with community organizations.
As part of its provincial strategy to improve mental health and addictions care for young people, the Government of British Columbia provides one-time start-up funding to establish Foundry centres, and ongoing core funding for service delivery. The Province has committed $1.5 million toward the development of Foundry Burnaby.
BC Centre for Ability (BCCFA) has been delivering quality services for children, youth, and adults with disabilities, and their families, across BC since 1969. BCCFA is the largest community-based provider of child development services in BC and is considered a provincial leader in the field. BCCFA serves clients with a variety of different neurodevelopmental conditions including Autism, ADHD, FASD, brain injuries, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy, although services are needs-based and a diagnosis is not required to access services. With Foundry Burnaby, BCCFA is excited to expand its existing counselling services to include young people specifically seeking mental health and wellness services.
Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation is the fundraising organization for Burnaby Hospital, serving more than half a million people across Burnaby, East Vancouver, and surrounding communities. The Foundation raises funds to support exceptional healthcare and community wellness, both within the hospital and beyond its walls.
Established in 1982, the Foundation invests in advanced medical equipment and technology, the expansion and modernization of hospital facilities, and community programs and patient care initiatives that respond to evolving health and wellness needs, all made possible through donor generosity and community partnerships. Guided by a vision of a connected community, the Foundation is committed to strengthening care and improving health outcomes for patients and families across Burnaby and East Vancouver.
Contact:
BCCFA Development & Communications
Tina Chiao, Director of Development & Communications
Tina.Chiao@bc-cfa.org