Marylène Thibault, young mental health philanthropist

Marylène Thibault, Associate Investment Advisor at iA Private Wealth Management Inc., is a member of the Douglas Foundation’s recently formed Young Philanthropists Council, which brings together young donors whose aim is to support the work of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute in Montreal and help destigmatize mental illness.

Marylène gained an in-depth look at the Foundation’s mission in a series of activities with the board of directors, including a tour of the hospital, the emergency room and the research centre.

“It opened my eyes to the scope of the Foundation's mission,” says Marylène, who has been a donor for several years. It’s so much more than hospital care! Most people are unfamiliar with the field of mental health research, yet there is still so much progress to be made to find the causes of mental illness and effective treatments and solutions.

I decided to support the Foundation because I experienced depression during my teen years. I believe that the services provided by centres like the Douglas Institute can benefit many others.”

Marylène and the council meet frequently and are actively involved in running events such as the popular Bingo Night for Mental Health, hosted this year by MC Gilles. Marylène not only takes part in the event, but is also happy to volunteer her time to make sure everything runs smoothly.

When she’s not helping out with events, Marylène encourages friends and family to get involved with the Douglas Foundation’s mission. She also recruits other young philanthropists to help grow the Foundation's funding sources and support further advances in mental health treatment and care.

In recognition of Marylène’s commitment, iA Financial Group has made a donation to the Douglas Foundation as part of its donation policy to support employees who are involved their community.

Congratulations, Marylène!

Want to get involved in a cause?
If you’re looking for inspiration, contact 211 services. They have a dedicated team in your area who can match your interests with one of many volunteer opportunities. You can then request a donation on our website. Visit Getting involved at iA - Community involvement iA | iA Financial Group at https://communityinvolvement.ia.ca/get-involved-at-ia.

Photo: Marylène, third from left, at the launch of the Young Philanthropists Council.