PRINCE GEORGE – Prince George Spruce Kings goaltender Jordan Fairlie has announced the launch of his fundraising campaign for mental health initiatives. All donations will support local programming through the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) of Northern British Columbia.
“In my time playing hockey, I’ve seen the impacts of mental health on young athletes in both myself and my teammates. Today, I am excited to announce my “Lift the Mask on Mental Health” campaign, in partnership with The Goalie Guild.”
Earlier this season, Fairlie became an ambassador for Lift the Mask, a mental health initiative put on by The Goalie Guild. The Goalie Guild is a non-profit foundation dedicated to the advancement of hockey goaltenders and the goaltending craft.
“Becoming a Lift the Mask ambassador helped me begin the process of starting my own campaign, as it is something I wanted to do for a while now,” said Fairlie. “I’m happy to be able to give back to the people of Northern BC who have supported me in my time with the Spruce Kings. With it being my final season of junior hockey, making a meaningful impact in the community is important to me and I’m glad to be supporting mental health and raising funds towards an important cause.”
Fairlie has set a goal of raising $20,000 by the end of the BC Hockey League regular season. Growing up in Fort St. John and playing his junior hockey in Prince George, the 20-year-old recognizes the unique challenges faced by people living in the region and wanted a way to give back to the community.
“Speaking for myself and the Spruce Kings, we were really proud when Jordan approached me about wanting to launch a mental health campaign,” said Ethan Ready, Director of Communications and Broadcasting. “To have a player who wants to make as much of an impact off the ice as he does on it is what we want to achieve with our players. It’s what being a Spruce King is all about.”
The CMHA is working with Fairlie every step of the way to ensure “Lift the Mask on Mental Health” is a success. Once the campaign finishes, Fairlie will meet with the organization to decide where the donations will go to support the programming with most need.
“Jordan’s efforts will mean that CMHA can strengthen our services in the realm of prevention and early intervention and allow us to flex to better meet the needs of those requiring more intensive support,” explained Sarah Lloyd, Executive Director for CMHA of Northern BC. “His leadership is humbling, and we are so very pleased to partner with him.”
Donations are being accepted from now until the end of the Spruce Kings regular season on March 25.
More information can be found at the fundraiser’s donation page on the CMHA of Northern BC website at northernbc.cmha.ca/lift-the-mask-on-mental-health.
