The McKesson Foundation donated across Canada a total of $200,000 this year to 12 non-profit organizations as part of its annual regional grants program.
 
The Foundation’s regional grants program funds each year specific projects or programs which help children and youth in the areas of heath and education.  
 
“McKesson strongly believes in the importance of supporting non-profit organizations in the communities where our employees live and work. These are all worthy organizations, and it’s fortunate that McKesson can provide funding to help the groups accomplish their missions,” said, Claude Jolicoeur, Director, Specialty Distribution Services, Corporate GMP officer and Chairman of the McKesson Foundation in Canada.
 
In the fall of 2006 over 100 organizations submitted applications outlining their projects.. To be eligible, organizations met specific criteria relating to the number of children that would benefit from the project and the impact on the children’s lives.
 
The projects were evaluated by a committee of McKesson Canada employees from various departments and submitted recommendations to the McKesson Foundation which is based at McKesson’s head office in San Francisco. The McKesson Foundation’s board of Directors, , made the final selection in the spring.
 
The non-profit organizations who received funds are:
 
Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre, Mississauga, Ontario
A multi-service, community centre that serves the diverse population of Mississauga east.
Amount: $10,000
Project: To purchase computers, language programs, typing tutor programs, and dictionaries, calculators, etc., for an after-school program.
 
Moncton Youth Residences Inc., Moncton, New Brunswick
A centre for at-risk children, youth between 12 and 24, and families.
Amount: $11,500
Project:  To purchase audio books, magazines, resource materials and computers to assist at-risk youth who have low or no literacy skills.
 
The CARA Helpline, Moncton, New Brunswick
An anonymous and confidential assistance program and referral service for southeastern New Brunswick. 
Amount: $15,000
Project: To add a youth services portal to the Helpline’s new web site.
 
The Jean Tweed Centre, Toronto, Ontario
A non-medical, community-based treatment centre for drug, alcohol and gambling abuse, helping Ontario women over the age of 16, and their families. 
Amount: $10,000
Project: To purchase therapeutic toys and musical instruments to promote both fine and gross motor skills in children affected by substance abuse. 
 
Boys & Girls Club, Ottawa, Ontario
A centre that offers after-school, weekend and summer programs to more than 4,500 children and youth every year. 
Amount: $10,000
Project: To renovate a kitchen in a clubhouse enabling staff and volunteers to provide nutritious and healthy snacks to youth.
 
Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), Hamilton, Ontario
An agency that provides support and information for Canadians affected by vision loss.
Amount: $12,000
Project: To purchase accessible educational resources for the Lending Library to broaden the knowledge and enhance the quality of life of children with vision loss.
 
Dieppe Youth House, Dieppe, New Brunswick
A centre for at-risk youth, where diverse activities and services are offered in a safe and supportive environment.
Amount: $15,000
Project: To purchase computers and software in order to offer on-line educational opportunities to youth who do not attend school on a full-time basis.
 
Discovery Children’s Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba
A community-owned Day Care and Nursery School facility that operates programs for children aged 3 months to 12 years old.
Amount: $32,650
Project: To improve the facility by purchasing an aluminium ramp for wheelchair access, replacing sinks in the children’s washrooms and converting a storage locker into a kitchen.
 
Nexus Youth Services, Mississauga, Onatrio
A community agency offering mental health treatment and outreach services to marginalized youth.
Amount: $11,000
Project: To replace heavily worn furnishings and outdated computer equipment at its Square One Youth Centre, which offers resources, counselling and activities for at-risk youth.
 
Pathways for Children, Youth & Families, Markham, Ontario
An organization that provides drop-in services and long-term residences to improve the lives of homeless youth, at-risk parents and young families in the York region.
Amount: $29,400
Project: To renovate and upgrade the Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies Fitness and Education Room at the Home Base Youth Drop-In Centre. Refurbish room and purchase construction materials, computers and health equipment.
 
Peel Children's Centre, Moncton, New Brunswick
A community-based agency that provides mental health treatment services for children.
Amount: $20,000
Project: To renovate the basement of the residential treatment centre to provide a recreational space for positive peer interactions and a treatment area for group therapy.
 
Toujours Ensemble, Verdun, Québec
An organization that offers educational and recreational activities to support young people as they encounter academic, family or social difficulties.
Amount: $23,000
Project: To equip the facility’s resource room with computers, software and books, and to purchase kitchen appliances for the centre’s lunch program.
 
To learn more about the McKesson Foundation and its programs, click here.