PARTNER HIGHLIGHT

On October 1, 2020, after announcing a $1 million gift and five-year partnership with Trellis, Gibson Energy became our first ever Youth Mental Health Champion! This is the largest donation in Gibson’s history. The partnership is focused on providing mental health supports to youth and their families across Trellis’ 34 programs. In addition to the donation, Gibson employees committed their time to Trellis and will be dedicating significant volunteer hours and skills.

The first volunteer opportunity came when the Gibson Energy team came together to create the beautiful Gibson Garden space at our Renfrew Hub. The garden is a safe and reflective outdoor space for youth and staff to decompress, connect with each other and build positive relationships in calm surroundings.

WATCH

The Gibson Energy team also built and installed a gorgeous little free library, filling it with books for kids of all ages. The generosity that flows from their partnership continues to extend through donations of PPE, basic needs items for kids and families, youth mental health kits, engagement in Trellis Indigenous Initiatives and so much more.

Every day at 4:30 am, Frank begins the morning by making breakfast for his three sons. After work, he cooks dinner and winds down by reading books for family time.

“I look at my boys here, and they’re just happy,” Frank beams. “Today I’d be lost without them. They are everything.”

It’s a life that Frank has fought hard to keep. For many years Frank lived on the streets and was addicted to drugs. His situation picked up when he started his own business and began a family with his former partner. But Frank’s struggles with addictions continued, which resulted in the apprehension of his son the day he was born.

When Frank’s partner left and all of his kids were taken away, he was devastated.