September 6, 2016
Jason Hobson (left) and Shane Fraser (right) present cheques totalling $3,700 from money raised at a baseball tournament they spearhead, to Strathmore Mental Health and Addictions.
Story by Lisa Sutherland; photo courtesy Jason Hobson
The Strathmore Mental Health Clinic is the lucky recipient of a generous donation from a couple of local teenagers.
Jason Hobson and Shane Fraser, 18-year-olds from the nearby Village of Hussar, presented cheques totalling $3,700, to the Strathmore Mental Health Clinic – hoping the money could be used to make a difference in the lives of so many people in their community affected by mental health.
“Mental Health is a big part of my life,” says Hobson, event co-organizer. “It’s my hope that by choosing the Strathmore Mental Health Clinic as one of this year’s recipients of the funds we raised through our annual ball tournament it would help to increase awareness throughout the community of something that affects so many people.”
Raised through an annual baseball tournament the pair have spearheaded for the past three years, drawing about 150 participants and spectators from throughout Wheatland County, the pair have raised over $17,000 that has been donated to charities and organizations that they have personal connections to, including Strathmore Mental Health.
We are honored that these young men chose us as one of the recipients of this year’s fundraiser and very appreciative of their efforts and contribution, said Darcy Jessen, Area Manager, Rural Addiction and Mental Health. “We’re going to use the funds to purchase equipment and programming that will directly enhance client care.”
Though the two men are moving on to start new chapters in their lives, they plan to return home every summer to grow their baseball tournament and continue their legacy of giving back to their community.
“We’ve had so much support from our parents and our community that we’re so grateful for,” Hobson adds. “We’re really looking forward to seeing how we can continue to grow this and continue to raise more money year after year.”
