The Halifax Wanderers are dedicating their 2024 season to supporting mental health programming for Nova Scotians.

In advance of Saturday’s home opener, the club is launching the ‘Together We Are Supporting Mental Health’ initiative to raise awareness and funds for mental health services at QEII Health Sciences Centre, with a specific focus on enhancing a purpose-built gymnasium at the Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building that will give patients receiving mental health and addiction programs a safe place to connect and prosper during their care journey.

The season-long campaign will raise awareness through social media posts, branding on the players’/coaches’ training kits and signage throughout the stadium. Funds will be raised through multiple 50/50 draws throughout the season, a series of special events involving the players and staff and an online fundraising campaign that will allow our fans and corporate partners to participate by making a contribution to the campaign.

“From the day we launched this club, our mission has been consistent, to make our community stronger through the power of sport, so I personally could not be more proud of this initiative and the role that together we can all play in supporting the mental health of our community,” Halifax Wanderers Founder and President Derek Martin said. “Recreation and physical activity have been proven to play a vital role in improving the overall health of patients so a partnership between a professional sports club and our neighbours at the QEII is an ideal collaboration”

Information on how to donate online can be found at HFXWanderersFC.ca/MentalHealth. As a special incentive, every person who makes an online donation will be entered to win four tickets to a Wanderers match in the new Community Corner, an elevated deck next to The Kitchen.  This new space will give fans the ultimate Wanderers experience as they get a fantastic view of the action on the pitch and are immersed in the excitement of our supporters groups.

The Abbie J. Lane at the QEII is home to Mental Health and Addictions programs and services, meeting the needs of patients accessing mental health treatment. Its gym is an integral part of a patient’s care journey, providing access to exercise and recreation that improves their overall health and well-being.

“We are grateful to the Halifax Wanderers for teaming up with the QEII Foundation to support mental health and addictions care through the QEII Health Sciences Centre,” Susan Mullin, president and CEO, QEII Foundation said. “With community support, the Abbie J. Lane gym will be transformed into a more functional and safe space for patients, equipped with group-focused games and modernized equipment that will enhance their treatment and care. This important project is part of the QEII Foundation’s $100-million We Are campaign to transform health care.”