Giving Back to the Irene and Leslie Dubé Centre for Mental Health
When her class was asked to find a way to give back to their community, Grade 10 student Jerrilee Shaw already had an answer.
Earlier this year, Shaw was a patient at the Irene and Leslie Dubé Centre for Mental Health at Royal University Hospital (RUH) in Saskatoon. The Centre provides specialized inpatient services for youth and adults who need mental health support, caring for approximately 225 young patients each year during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.
The care she received there stayed with her. Her day nurse Barb Shepherd gave her practical tools to work on and was present through the hardest parts of her stay.
“Her kindness, genuineness and love helped me get through my days,” Shaw says.
When her Christian Ethics teacher at LCBI High School in Outlook, Sask. asked students to find a way to give back to their community, Shaw organized a walk/run for mental health in her home community of Elrose.
Thirty-four people took part, gathering in Elrose and joining virtually from nearby communities, including Eston, Rosetown and Outlook. Together, they raised approximately $1,100 in donations. Shaw’s parents matched the total, bringing the final contribution to more than $2,500, all directed toward the Dubé Centre.
“I know, living in your teenage years, or even pre-teens, that it is hard to deal with your emotions, and your emotions can take a real toll on your life,” says Shaw.
“Support doesn’t make problems disappear, but it reminds people they don’t have to face them alone.”
Donations made to RUH Foundation can be directed to the Irene and Leslie Dubé Centre for Mental Health, supporting inpatient care for youth and adults across Saskatchewan.
Jerrilee Shaw inspired an incredible show of generosity from the Elrose community.
Community members in Elrose came together to raise funds for the Irene and Leslie Dubé Centre for Mental Health.
