Jack.org
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| Formation | 2010 [1] |
|---|---|
| Founder |
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| Registration no. | 848521837 RR0001 [2] |
| Legal status | Charitable organization,[2] non-profit organization |
| Purpose | Youth mental health, suicide prevention |
| Location |
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| Coordinates | 43°39′00″N 79°23′50″W / 43.650122°N 79.397248°W |
Membership (2018) | 2,500+ student leaders [3] |
| Eric Windeler | |
Revenue (2017) | $2,171,490[4] |
| Expenses (2017) | $1,675,473[4] |
| Website | www |
Formerly called | The Jack Project @ Kids Help Phone |
Jack.org (formerly known as The Jack Project @ Kids Help Phone), founded in 2010, is a Canadian 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.[5]
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.[6][7] In Jack's parting letter, he asked for his parents to help others.[8] 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.[9] The fund raised almost $1 million.[10] Through this fund, they funded many mental health initiatives. Eventually, they decided to start their own initiative, The Jack Project, in April 2010.[8] By July 2010, Windeler left his software company to work on the initiative full-time.[9] 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.[11][10] 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 fundraise for youth mental health.
In 2012, The Jack Project rebranded to Jack.org.[9] 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.[12] After becoming its own entity, the organization expanded to high schools and universities across Canada.
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.[3]
Royal recognition
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.[13] 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.[14]
Programs
Everesting is a bike challenge in which teams of 2-8 riders cumulatively bike uphill 8,848 m (the distance equivalent to the elevation of Mount Everest).[15]
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)[16]
- 2013 – Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal[17]
- 2017 – 150 CAMH Difference Makers for Mental Health in Canada[18]
- 2018 – Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division) from the office of the Governor General[19]
References
- ^ "Eric Windeler", Ontario Minds. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.
- ^ a b "Jack.org — Quick View", Government of Canada. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.
- ^ a b "jack.org/about", Jack.org. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.
- ^ a b "Annual Report", Jack.org. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.
- ^ "Jack.org", Centre for Social Innovation. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.
- ^ "The Jack Project: Talking about suicide prevention". York Region. 25 Mar 2013. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b Er-Chua, Gloria (April 1, 2010). "Remembering Jack". Queen's Journal. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
- ^ a b c "Very emotional' time as Windeler receives honorary degree". The Whig. 9 June 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
- ^ a b Hunter, Paul (3 Dec 2011). "Teen suicide: Thinking back to Jack". The Star. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
- ^ Fernandez-Blance, Katherine (July 26, 2011). "The Jack Project". Queen's Journal. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ "Jack.org — Quick View". Government of Canada. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
- ^ Heidenreich, Phil (2 Oct 2016). "Edmonton activist speaks to Will and Kate about mental health in Victoria". Global News. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
- ^ Samhan, Jamie (6 Mar 2018). "Prince William's surprise appearance at Toronto mental health event". Royal Central. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
- ^ "Larry Optis reaches exclusive 10,000 m club on Everesting ride in support of youth mental health". Canadian Cycling Magazine. 14 May 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
- ^ "Eric Windeler, Com'82 – Mental Health Champion", Queen's University. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.
- ^ "The Diamond Jubilee Medal", The Governor General of Canada. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.
- ^ "The 150 Leading Canadians For Mental Health", CAMH. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.
- ^ "Presentation of Honours in Toronto", The Governor General of Canada. Retrieved on 15 May 2018.