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{{short description|Canadian youth mental health charity}}
{{Paid contributions|date=May 2018}}
{{Update|date=June 2020}}
{{primary sources|date=May 2018}}
{{primary sources|date=May 2018}}
{{Infobox organization
{{Infobox organization
| name = Jack.org
| name = Jack.org
| formerly = The Jack Project @ [[Kids Help Phone]]
| formerly = The Jack Project @ [[Kids Help Phone]]
| logo = File:Jack.org logo.png
| logo = File:Jack.org logo.png
| logo_alt = The logo of Jack.org
| logo_alt = The logo of Jack.org
| formation = 2010 <ref>[https://www.ontariominds.ca/en/eric-windeler "Eric Windeler"], Ontario Minds. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.</ref>
| formation = 2010 <ref>[https://www.ontariominds.ca/en/eric-windeler "Eric Windeler"], Ontario Minds. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.</ref>
| founder = {{plainlist|
| founder = {{plainlist|
* Eric Windeler
* Eric Windeler
* [[Sandra Hanington]]
* Sandra Hanington
}}
}}
| registration_id = 848521837 RR0001 <ref name="Jack.org-QuickView">[http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/ebci/haip/srch/t3010form22quickview-eng.action?&fpe=2017-06-30&b=848521837RR0001 "Jack.org — Quick View"], Government of Canada. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.</ref>
| registration_id = 848521837 RR0001 <ref name="Jack.org-QuickView">[http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/ebci/haip/srch/t3010form22quickview-eng.action?&fpe=2017-06-30&b=848521837RR0001 "Jack.org — Quick View"], Government of Canada. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.</ref>
| status = [[Charitable organization]],<ref name="Jack.org-QuickView" /> [[nonprofit organization|non-profit organization]]
| status = [[Charitable organization]],<ref name="Jack.org-QuickView" /> [[nonprofit organization|non-profit organization]]
| leader_name = Eric Windeler
| leader_name = Eric Windeler
| leader_title = [[Executive Director]]
| leader_title = [[Executive Director]]
| purpose = Youth [[mental health]], [[suicide prevention]]
| purpose = Youth [[mental health]], [[suicide prevention]]
| location = [[Toronto]], Ontario, Canada
| location = [[Toronto]], Ontario, Canada
| coords = {{coord|43.650122|-79.397248|display=inline,title}}
| coords = {{coord|43.650122|-79.397248|display=inline,title}}
| revenue = $2,171,490<ref name="Jack.Org-AnnualReport">[https://www.jack.org/sites/default/files/JACK%20ORG%20%282017%29%20%28with%20logo%29_signed%20BS.pdf "Annual Report"], Jack.org. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.</ref>
| revenue = $4,688,752<ref name="Jack.orgFS">{{cite web |title=Financial Statement 2019 |url=https://jack.org/jack/media/images/PDF/Jack-org-Audited-Financial-Statements-2019-1.pdf?ext=.pdf |website=Jack.org |access-date=25 June 2020}}</ref>
| revenue_year = 2017
| revenue_year = 2019
| expenses = $1,675,473<ref name="Jack.Org-AnnualReport" />
| expenses = $3,941,208<ref name="Jack.orgFS" />
| expenses_year = 2017
| expenses_year = 2019
| membership = 2,500+ student leaders <ref name="Jack.Org-About" />
| membership =
| membership_year = 2018
| membership_year =
| website = {{URL|www.jack.org}}
| website = {{URL|https://jack.org}}
| affiliations = [[Kids Help Phone]]
}}
}}


'''Jack.org''' (''formerly known as'' The Jack Project @ [[Kids Help Phone]]), founded in 2010, is a Canadian [[nonprofit organization|non-profit organization]] focused on youth [[mental health]] and [[suicide prevention]]. The organization has four main programs: Jack Chapters, Jack Talks, Jack Summit, and Jack Ride.<ref>[https://socialinnovation.org/member_auto/jack-org/ "Jack.org"], Centre for Social Innovation. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.</ref>
'''Jack.org''' (formerly known as The Jack Project under the charitable organization [[Kids Help Phone]]) is a Canadian [[nonprofit organization|non-profit organization]] focused on youth [[mental health]] and [[suicide prevention]]. Founded in 2010, the organization has four main programs: Jack Chapters, Jack Talks, Jack Summit, and Jack Ride.<ref>[https://socialinnovation.org/member_auto/jack-org/ "Jack.org"], Centre for Social Innovation. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
In 2010, Eric Windeler and [[Sandra Hanington]] founded The Jack Project (Jack.org's original name) after their son, Jack Windeler, died at 18 years old by [[suicide]].<ref name="YorkRegion-25Mar13">{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/2514652-the-jack-project-talking-about-suicide-prevention/|title= The Jack Project: Talking about suicide prevention|work=York Region|date=25 Mar 2013|access-date=19 May 2018}}</ref><ref name="GlobeAndMail-4Dec15">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/careers-leadership/toronto-familys-tragic-loss-inspires-jackorg-youth-mental-health-charity/article27612465/|title=Toronto family's tragic loss inspires Jack.org youth mental health charity|last=Waldie|first=Paul|date=4 Dec 2015|website=The Globe And Mail|access-date=19 May 2018}}</ref> In Jack's parting letter, he asked for his parents to help others.<ref name="QueensJ-1Apr10" /> As such, they were driven to help young people struggling with mental health. Initially, the pair collaborated with [[Kids Help Phone]], creating the Jack Windeler Memorial Fund in their late son's honour.<ref name="Whig-9Jun15">{{cite web|url=http://www.thewhig.com/2015/06/09/very-emotional-time-as-windeler-receives-honorary-degree|title=Very emotional' time as Windeler receives honorary degree|work=The Whig|date=9 June 2015|access-date=19 May 2018}}</ref> The fund raised almost $1 million.<ref name="Star-3Dec11">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/insight/2011/12/03/teen_suicide_thinking_back_to_jack.html|title=Teen suicide: Thinking back to Jack|work=The Star|first=Paul|last=Hunter|date=3 Dec 2011|access-date=19 May 2018}}</ref> Through this fund, they funded many mental health initiatives. Eventually, they decided to start their own initiative, The Jack Project, in April 2010.<ref name="QueensJ-1Apr10">{{cite news|url=https://www.queensjournal.ca/story/2010-04-01/news/remembering-jack/ |title=Remembering Jack |work=Queen's Journal |date=April 1, 2010 |first=Gloria |last=Er-Chua |accessdate= 15 May 2018}}</ref> By July 2010, Windeler left his software company to work on the initiative full-time.<ref name="Whig-9Jun15" /> In early days, the organization's efforts focused on workshops, outreach programs, and live chat services, which specifically targeted Canadian youth in the [[information age|age of technology]].<ref name="QueensJ-26Jul11">{{cite news |url=https://www.queensjournal.ca/story/2011-07-26/jack-project/ |title=The Jack Project |work=Queen's Journal| |date=July 26, 2011 |first=Katherine |last=Fernandez-Blance |accessdate=15 May 2018}}</ref><ref name="Star-3Dec11" />
In 2010, Eric Windeler and Sandra Hanington founded "The Jack Project". The project was named after their son, Jack Windeler, who had died by suicide when he was 18 years old.<ref name="YorkRegion-25Mar13">{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/2514652-the-jack-project-talking-about-suicide-prevention/|title= The Jack Project: Talking about suicide prevention|work=York Region|date=25 Mar 2013|access-date=19 May 2018}}</ref><ref name="GlobeAndMail-4Dec15">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/careers-leadership/toronto-familys-tragic-loss-inspires-jackorg-youth-mental-health-charity/article27612465/|title=Toronto family's tragic loss inspires Jack.org youth mental health charity|last=Waldie|first=Paul|date=4 Dec 2015|website=The Globe And Mail|access-date=19 May 2018}}</ref> In Jack Windeler's parting letter, he asked for his parents to help others.<ref name="QueensJ-1Apr10" /> To honor his wishes, they focused on helping young people struggling with mental health issues.
In addition to their initiatives with Kids Help Phone, they started the [[#Jack Ride|Jack Ride]] program in 2010. This program brings individuals of all ages together to ride their bikes and fundraise for youth mental health.


Initially, the pair collaborated with [[Kids Help Phone]] to create the Jack Windeler Memorial Fund in their late son's honor.<ref name="Whig-9Jun15">{{cite web|url=http://www.thewhig.com/2015/06/09/very-emotional-time-as-windeler-receives-honorary-degree|title=Very emotional' time as Windeler receives honorary degree|work=The Whig|date=9 June 2015|access-date=19 May 2018}}</ref> The fund raised almost $1 million that was used to expand existing health initiatives.<ref name="Star-3Dec11">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/insight/2011/12/03/teen_suicide_thinking_back_to_jack.html|title=Teen suicide: Thinking back to Jack|work=The Star|first=Paul|last=Hunter|date=3 Dec 2011|access-date=19 May 2018}}</ref> They decided to formally launch the Jack Project in April 2010.<ref name="QueensJ-1Apr10">{{cite news|url=https://www.queensjournal.ca/story/2010-04-01/news/remembering-jack/ |title=Remembering Jack |work=Queen's Journal |date=April 1, 2010 |first=Gloria |last=Er-Chua |access-date= 15 May 2018}}</ref> By July 2010, Eric Windeler had left his software company to work on the Jack Project full-time.<ref name="Whig-9Jun15" /> In early days, the organization's efforts focused on workshops, outreach programs, and live chat services, which specifically targeted Canadian youth in the age of technology.<ref name="QueensJ-26Jul11">{{cite news |url=https://www.queensjournal.ca/story/2011-07-26/jack-project/ |title=The Jack Project |work=Queen's Journal|date=July 26, 2011 |first=Katherine |last=Fernandez-Blance |access-date=15 May 2018}}</ref><ref name="Star-3Dec11" /> In addition to their initiatives with Kids Help Phone, they started the Jack Ride program in 2010. This program brings individuals of all ages together to ride their bikes and fund-raise for youth mental health.
In 2012, The Jack Project rebranded to Jack.org.<ref name="Whig-9Jun15" /> With new focus on working directly with student leaders, the organization moved to [[Queen's University]] to develop content that was youth-led and inspired. A year later, in July 2013, Jack.org received official charitable status.<ref name="CanadaGov-QuickView">{{cite web|url=http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/ebci/haip/srch/t3010form22quickview-eng.action?&fpe=2017-06-30&b=848521837RR0001|title=Jack.org — Quick View|publisher=Government of Canada|access-date=19 May 2018}}</ref> After becoming its own entity, the organization expanded to high schools and universities across Canada.


In 2012, The Jack Project re-branded to Jack.org.<ref name="Whig-9Jun15" />
Today Jack.org has 150+ active chapters in universities, colleges and high schools across Canada; 80+ trained Jack Talks speakers, who have delivered 250 talks to date; and a national summit in Toronto, which hosts 200 students annually.<ref name="Jack.Org-About" />


Today, Jack.org has over 150 active chapters in universities, colleges, and high schools across Canada. The program also maintains more than 80 trained Jack Talks speakers who have delivered 250 talks to date.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Talks|url=https://jack.org/talks|access-date=2020-06-29|website=jack.org|language=en-CA}}</ref> They also host 200 students annually at a national summit in Toronto, which is the largest youth-led mental health conference.<ref>{{Cite web|title=National Jack Summit|url=https://jack.org/Summits/National-Jack-Summit|access-date=2020-06-29|website=jack.org|language=en-CA}}</ref>
=== Royal recognition ===
[[File:Jack.org Will and Kate.jpg|thumb|[[Prince William, Duke of Cambridge|Prince William]] and [[Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge|Kate Middleton]] on the [[Sail and Life Training Society#Pacific Grace|Pacific Grace]] with Jack.org.]]


In May 2018, Ben Sabic — Chair of Kids Help Phone's National Youth Council — led a partnership with Jack.org and the council,<ref>{{cite web |title=Ben Sabic - Facebook Page |url=https://www.facebook.com/BenSabic/videos/960048184145389/ |website=Facebook |access-date=20 February 2020}}</ref> to support the organization's "We Are Ready campaign".<ref>{{cite web |title=Ben Sabic - Twitter Profile |url=https://twitter.com/BenSabic/status/994244762625630209 |website=Twitter |access-date=20 February 2020}}</ref> Through posts across Facebook and Twitter, the goal was to generate greater awareness around the campaign.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ben Sabic - Twitter Profile |url=https://twitter.com/BenSabic/status/994654314386767884 |website=Twitter |access-date=20 February 2020}}</ref>
⚫
On October 1, 2016, [[Prince William, Duke of Cambridge|Prince William]] and [[Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge|Kate Middleton]] accompanied 18 youth mental health advocates from Jack.org on a sailing ride on the [[Sail and Life Training Society#Pacific Grace|Pacific Grace]].<ref name=GlobalNews-2Oct16>{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/2978145/edmonton-activist-speaks-to-will-and-kate-about-mental-health-in-victoria|title=Edmonton activist speaks to Will and Kate about mental health in Victoria|publisher=Global News|first=Phil|last=Heidenreich|date=2 Oct 2016|access-date=19 May 2018}}</ref> The Duke and Duchess have shown their priority of dispelling stigma around mental health, as evidenced by their campaign Heads Together. As such, the pair commended Jack.org on their efforts in the youth mental health space. Prince William has continued to show his support for the organization, making a video appearance at the 2018 Jack Summit.<ref name="RoyalCentral-6Mar18>{{cite web|url=http://royalcentral.co.uk/uk/cambridges/prince-williams-surprise-appearance-at-toronto-mental-health-event-97564|title=Prince William's surprise appearance at Toronto mental health event|publisher=Royal Central|first=Jamie|last=Samhan|date=6 Mar 2018|access-date=19 May 2018}}</ref>


== Programs ==
=== Royal Recognition ===
⚫
On October 1, 2016, [[Prince William, Duke of Cambridge|Prince William]] and [[Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge|Kate Middleton]] accompanied 18 youth mental health advocates from Jack.org on a sailing ride on the [[Sail and Life Training Society#Pacific Grace|Pacific Grace]].<ref name=GlobalNews-2Oct16>{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/2978145/edmonton-activist-speaks-to-will-and-kate-about-mental-health-in-victoria|title=Edmonton activist speaks to Will and Kate about mental health in Victoria|publisher=Global News|first=Phil|last=Heidenreich|date=2 Oct 2016|access-date=19 May 2018}}</ref> The Duke and Duchess have made a priority of dispelling the stigma around mental health, as evidence by their campaign, Heads Together. As such, the pair has commended Jack.org on their efforts in the youth mental health space. Prince William has continued to show his support for the organization and made a video appearance at the 2018 Jack Summit.<ref name="RoyalCentral-6Mar18">{{cite web|url=http://royalcentral.co.uk/uk/cambridges/prince-williams-surprise-appearance-at-toronto-mental-health-event-97564|title=Prince William's surprise appearance at Toronto mental health event|publisher=Royal Central|first=Jamie|last=Samhan|date=6 Mar 2018|access-date=19 May 2018}}</ref>
⚫
=== Jack Chapters ===
[[File:Jack.org UBC.jpg|thumb|Students from the Jack Chapter at University of British Columbia]]


⚫
=== Be There ===
Jack Chapters are a network of youth-led clubs, which focus on empowering local youth leaders to increase [[mental health literacy]] and awareness in their school community.<ref name="Jack.org-Chapters">{{cite web|url=https://www.jack.org/chapters|title=Chapters|work=Jack.org|access-date=19 May 2018}}</ref> Each chapter creates initiatives to address barriers and issues surrounding mental health affecting their specific community. The parent organization provides support to regional chapters by providing various materials, including but not limited to funding, training handbooks, and branded merchandise. In 2018, there were 150+ active chapters in Canada, and this figure grows annually.<ref name="Jack.Org-About" />
In 2019, Jack.org launched an online mental health resource for young people in Canada called Be There.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jack.org |title=Jack.org Launches Be There to help young people in Canada learn how to support each other through mental health struggles |url=https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/jack-org-launches-be-there-to-help-young-people-in-canada-learn-how-to-support-each-other-through-mental-health-struggles-874581808.html |website=Cision Newswire |access-date=16 February 2020}}</ref> The resource was launched as part of Mental Health Week,<ref>{{cite web |title=Online resource helps young people 'be there' for friends with mental illnesses |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/be-there-jack-dot-org-windsor-1.5124103 |website=CBC News |access-date=16 February 2020}}</ref> a nationwide initiative by the [[Canadian Mental Health Association]].<ref>{{cite web |title=CMHA Mental Health Week |url=https://mentalhealthweek.ca/ |website=Canadian Mental Health Association |access-date=16 February 2020}}</ref>

[[File:Dan at John Polanyi Collegiate Institute.jpg|thumb|Jack Talk speaker, Daniel Derkach, speaking at [[John Polanyi Collegiate Institute]].|left]]

=== Jack Talks ===

Jack Talks is a [[Social peer-to-peer processes|peer-to-peer]] outreach program.<ref name="NewsWire-7May18">{{cite web|url=https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/canadian-youth-leading-the-conversation-during-mental-health-awareness-week-681951551.html|title=Canadian Youth Leading the Conversation During Mental Health Awareness Week|work=Cision|date=7 May 2018|access-date=19 May 2018}}</ref> Using contact-based education, Jack Talks speakers present to different high-schools, post-secondary institutions, and youth organizations across the country. The speakers are trained using a professionally developed curriculum, which covers topics such as [[public speaking]] skills, mental health knowledge, and safe storytelling.<ref name="NewsWire-7May18" /> As of 2018, there were 80+ Jack Talks speakers, originating from various provinces and territories across Canada, who had cumulatively delivered 250+ talks in the fiscal year.<ref name="Jack.Org-About">[https://www.jack.org/about "jack.org/about"], Jack.org. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.</ref>

=== Jack Summit ===
[[File:Jack Summit donut photo.jpg|thumb|Co-founder, Eric Windeler, accompanied by the student delegates of Jack Summit 2018.]]

Jack Summit is an annual, mental health-themed conference the organization hosts in [[Toronto]]. Each year, 200 student delegates are selected to attend from across Canada.<ref name="Jack.Org-Summit">{{cite web|url=http://jack.org/jacksummit/#whatissummit|title=What is Jack Summit?|work=Jack.org|access-date=19 May 2018}}</ref> The aim of the conference is to connect student leaders with one another, in hopes that they can share their ideas, learnings, and experiences. The conference spans three days, in which delegates participate in mental health workshops and presentations.<ref name="Jack.Org-Summit" /> Additionally, there are opportunities to develop their leadership skills, such as public speaking, event planning, and networking.

==== Regional Summits ====
In addition to the primary Jack Summit, there are regional summits, which are held and organized by student leaders in the region.<ref name="Jack.Org-RegionalSummit">{{cite web|url=https://www.jack.org/summit/regional|title=Regional Summits|work=Jack.org|access-date=19 May 2018}}</ref> The overall aim of regional summits aligns with the central Jack Summit. However, there is a greater focus on bringing projects back to their home schools. The parent organization ample support to regional summits to ensure the success of the event.<ref name="Jack.Org-RegionalSummit" />

=== Jack Ride ===
[[File:Jack Ride 2018.jpg|thumb|Riders pictured before the 2017 Jack Ride commences in [[Caledon, Ontario]].]]

Jack Ride is Jack.org's first and largest annual fundraising event. The first Jack Ride occurred in 2010, hosting 70 riders. The event has since grown, attracting 890 bike riders to raise over $700,000 for youth mental health initiatives in 2017. There are various routes available, with the longest being more than 100&nbsp;km long. The event is located in [[Caledon, Ontario]] each year and is carried out by a combination of the organization's staff and hundreds of student volunteers.<ref name="Jack.org-JackRide">{{cite web|url=https://www.jack.org/ride|title=Welcome to Jack Ride: Canada's Ride for Youth Mental Health."|work=Jack.org|access-date=19 May 2018}}</ref>

=== Everesting ===
Everesting, a spinoff of Jack Ride, is a bike challenge in which teams of 2-8 riders cumulatively bike uphill 8,848&nbsp;m (the distance equivalent to the elevation of [[Mount Everest]]).<ref name="CyclingMag-14May17">{{cite web|url=https://cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/feature/larry-optis-everests-95-m-hill-ontario/|title=Larry Optis reaches exclusive 10,000&nbsp;m club on Everesting ride in support of youth mental health|publisher=Canadian Cycling Magazine|date=14 May 2017|access-date=19 May 2018}}</ref> The project started in 2017.<ref name="Jack.org-Mountain">{{cite web|url=https://jack.akaraisin.com/ui/17037|title=STRONGER THAN THE MOUNTAIN|work=Jack.org|access-date=19 May 2018}}</ref>

=== Additional Projects ===
In addition to the organization's four main programs, Jack.org has additional projects and develops new initiatives on an ongoing basis. They have associated with [[Uber]] in Canada to increase conversations around mental health.<ref name="Uber-18Feb16">{{cite web|url=https://www.uber.com/en-CA/newsroom/uber-jack-org-team-up-to-get-edmontonians-talking/|title=Uber + Jack.org team up to get Edmontonians talking|website=Uber|date=18 Feb 2016|access-date=19 May 2018}}</ref>

== Awards and recognition ==
As the co-founder and executive director of Jack.org, Eric Windeler has been recognized on many occasions for his efforts in the mental health space.

* 2013 – Champion of Mental Health Award from Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH)<ref>[http://www.queensu.ca/annualreport2013/do/eric-windeler "Eric Windeler, Com'82 – Mental Health Champion"], Queen's University. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.</ref>
* 2013 – [[Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal]]<ref>[https://www.gg.ca/honour.aspx?id=261938&t=13&ln=Windeler "The Diamond Jubilee Medal"], The Governor General of Canada. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.</ref>
* 2017 – 150 CAMH Difference Makers for Mental Health in Canada<ref>[http://give.camh.ca/site/PageServer?pagename=DifferenceMakers_150Stories_Archive "The 150 Leading Canadians For Mental Health"], CAMH. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.</ref>
* 2018 – Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division) from the office of the Governor General<ref>[https://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=17079&lan=eng "Presentation of Honours in Toronto"], The Governor General of Canada. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
Line 85: Line 52:


[[Category:2010 establishments in Ontario]]
[[Category:2010 establishments in Ontario]]
[[Category:Charities]]
[[Category:Charities based in Canada]]
[[Category:Children's charities based in Canada]]
[[Category:Children's charities based in Canada]]
[[Category:Mental health organizations in Canada]]
[[Category:Mental health organizations in Canada]]
Line 92: Line 57:
[[Category:Suicide prevention]]
[[Category:Suicide prevention]]
[[Category:Youth organizations based in Canada]]
[[Category:Youth organizations based in Canada]]

== External links ==

*[https://bethere.org/Home/ BeThere.org]

Latest revision as of 02:06, 29 August 2023

Jack.org
Formation2010 [1]
Founder
  • Eric Windeler
  • Sandra Hanington
Registration no.848521837 RR0001 [2]
Legal statusCharitable organization,[2] non-profit organization
PurposeYouth mental health, suicide prevention
Location
Coordinates43°39′00″N 79°23′50″W / 43.650122°N 79.397248°W / 43.650122; -79.397248
Eric Windeler
AffiliationsKids Help Phone
Revenue (2019)
$4,688,752[3]
Expenses (2019)$3,941,208[3]
Websitejack.org
Formerly called
The Jack Project @ Kids Help Phone

Jack.org (formerly known as The Jack Project under the charitable organization Kids Help Phone) is a Canadian non-profit organization focused on youth mental health and suicide prevention. Founded in 2010, the organization has four main programs: Jack Chapters, Jack Talks, Jack Summit, and Jack Ride.[4]

History[edit]

In 2010, Eric Windeler and Sandra Hanington founded "The Jack Project". The project was named after their son, Jack Windeler, who had died by suicide when he was 18 years old.[5][6] In Jack Windeler's parting letter, he asked for his parents to help others.[7] To honor his wishes, they focused on helping young people struggling with mental health issues.

Initially, the pair collaborated with Kids Help Phone to create the Jack Windeler Memorial Fund in their late son's honor.[8] The fund raised almost $1 million that was used to expand existing health initiatives.[9] They decided to formally launch the Jack Project in April 2010.[7] By July 2010, Eric Windeler had left his software company to work on the Jack Project full-time.[8] In early days, the organization's efforts focused on workshops, outreach programs, and live chat services, which specifically targeted Canadian youth in the age of technology.[10][9] In addition to their initiatives with Kids Help Phone, they started the Jack Ride program in 2010. This program brings individuals of all ages together to ride their bikes and fund-raise for youth mental health.

In 2012, The Jack Project re-branded to Jack.org.[8]

Today, Jack.org has over 150 active chapters in universities, colleges, and high schools across Canada. The program also maintains more than 80 trained Jack Talks speakers who have delivered 250 talks to date.[11] They also host 200 students annually at a national summit in Toronto, which is the largest youth-led mental health conference.[12]

In May 2018, Ben Sabic — Chair of Kids Help Phone's National Youth Council — led a partnership with Jack.org and the council,[13] to support the organization's "We Are Ready campaign".[14] Through posts across Facebook and Twitter, the goal was to generate greater awareness around the campaign.[15]

Royal Recognition[edit]

On October 1, 2016, Prince William and Kate Middleton accompanied 18 youth mental health advocates from Jack.org on a sailing ride on the Pacific Grace.[16] The Duke and Duchess have made a priority of dispelling the stigma around mental health, as evidence by their campaign, Heads Together. As such, the pair has commended Jack.org on their efforts in the youth mental health space. Prince William has continued to show his support for the organization and made a video appearance at the 2018 Jack Summit.[17]

Be There[edit]

In 2019, Jack.org launched an online mental health resource for young people in Canada called Be There.[18] The resource was launched as part of Mental Health Week,[19] a nationwide initiative by the Canadian Mental Health Association.[20]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Eric Windeler", Ontario Minds. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Jack.org — Quick View", Government of Canada. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.
  3. ^ a b "Financial Statement 2019" (PDF). Jack.org. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  4. ^ "Jack.org", Centre for Social Innovation. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.
  5. ^ "The Jack Project: Talking about suicide prevention". York Region. 25 Mar 2013. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
  6. ^ Waldie, Paul (4 Dec 2015). "Toronto family's tragic loss inspires Jack.org youth mental health charity". The Globe And Mail. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
  7. ^ a b Er-Chua, Gloria (April 1, 2010). "Remembering Jack". Queen's Journal. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  8. ^ a b c "Very emotional' time as Windeler receives honorary degree". The Whig. 9 June 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
  9. ^ a b Hunter, Paul (3 Dec 2011). "Teen suicide: Thinking back to Jack". The Star. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
  10. ^ Fernandez-Blance, Katherine (July 26, 2011). "The Jack Project". Queen's Journal. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  11. ^ "Talks". jack.org. Retrieved 2020-06-29.
  12. ^ "National Jack Summit". jack.org. Retrieved 2020-06-29.
  13. ^ "Ben Sabic - Facebook Page". Facebook. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  14. ^ "Ben Sabic - Twitter Profile". Twitter. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  15. ^ "Ben Sabic - Twitter Profile". Twitter. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  16. ^ Heidenreich, Phil (2 Oct 2016). "Edmonton activist speaks to Will and Kate about mental health in Victoria". Global News. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
  17. ^ Samhan, Jamie (6 Mar 2018). "Prince William's surprise appearance at Toronto mental health event". Royal Central. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
  18. ^ Jack.org. "Jack.org Launches Be There to help young people in Canada learn how to support each other through mental health struggles". Cision Newswire. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  19. ^ "Online resource helps young people 'be there' for friends with mental illnesses". CBC News. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  20. ^ "CMHA Mental Health Week". Canadian Mental Health Association. Retrieved 16 February 2020.

External links[edit]

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