Memorial Fund
The Memorial Fund provides financial assistance to people with mental illness or their family members for education, physical fitness, recreational and artistic pursuits that will improve the quality of their lives…
The Memorial Fund was started in 1997 after a generous donation from Mary and Steven Coppinger in memory of their son Murray.
Hans Fear
Since 2003, the annual Hans Fear Memorial Jazz Cafe, held the third week in February, has been the major fundraiser for the Memorial Fund. This event is organized by John Fear in conjunction with BCSS Victoria in memory of his son who passed away in 2001 at the age of 31 after a long struggle with mental illness. He was a talented artist whose life and work touched many people.
In 2011 half of the money raised by BCSS Victoria through the Goodlife Victoria Marathon was allotted to the Memorial Fund.
To donate to the Memorial Fund, click on the Donate Now link on the right of the page or mail a cheque payable to BCSS Victoria Memorial Fund to 941 Kings Road, Victoria, BC, V8T 1W7.
TO APPLY TO THE MEMORIAL FUND…
Please read carefully before applying:
The primary purpose of the Memorial Fund is to provide financial assistance to family members of and/or individuals with schizophrenia or another serious and persistent mental illness, where there is an established need.
Applications for funding may be considered in the following circumstances:
Family Members:
- Compassionate needs which arise as a result of their role as caregiver for an individual with a serious and persistent mental illness.
Individuals with schizophrenia or another serious and persistent mental illness:
- Continuing education or training
- Established and organized recreational activities and supplies
- Compassionate needs (at the discretion of the committee)
Eligibility Criteria:
- The amount of funding for each application will not exceed the amount approved by the committee.
- A new application form has to be submitted for any additional funding requests.
- Funds are paid directly to the institution or supplier and not to the individual applicant.
- Self-referrals are not considered. An individual must be referred (see referral information below).
- Applicants must reside on Southern Vancouver Island.
- Applications for internet courses or for courses outside of BC will not be considered.
Once BCSS Victoria has received the application, applicants will be contacted to schedule a brief, information interview with the Memorial Fund committee.
The Memorial Fund does not supply emergency funding. Please allow for a four-week processing period.
Referral Information:
Application forms can be picked up at the BCSS Victoria office or downloaded below. Return the completed form with a letter of referral from a medical or mental health professional (e.g. case manager, family doctor, psychiatrist). Applications without a referral letter will not be considered.
If you have questions or would like some help to apply please contact us at 250-384-4225.
