Our Donors

Donors to the CAMH Foundation help to improve the lives of those facing mental illness and addiction. Thanks to their generosity, CAMH is able to carry out groundbreaking research, make advances in education and health promotion and provide clients with the best of care. Take a moment to meet our donors and be inspired.

Clients in Motion with New Van Donation

Organizing committee for the Beltrano family and friends charity fundraiser (L-R): Tony Beltrano, Marnie Lippa, Franca Beltrano, Lina Cotrona, Daniela Florencia and Natalie Metallo. Not shown: Frank Beltrano, Zella Di Cecca, Enzo Iannucci, Ivano Metallo, Nella Palombi and Christina Vena.

When the van was delivered, Tony Beltrano's brother slowly leaned in with the thrill bright in his eyes, and asked, "Tony, are they going to take us to a movie in that tonight?”

Tony Beltrano and Natalie Metallo's brother has lived at CAMH’s Queen Street Site for the past 18 years, and is currently in the Integrated Rehabilitation Unit (IRU).

For Tony and Natalie, his happiness is the whole reason they recently donated a brand new, top-of-the-line vehicle to CAMH.

“Do you know how I came up with the idea of donating a van?” asked Tony. “I listened to my brother. I listened to the clients who said they just wanted to go out and have fun -- like any of us.”

Heart-warming, genuine and wonderfully simple, the reason behind the donation is very similar to how CAMH’s IRU actually came to be: CAMH was listening. Clients communicated their need for security, privacy, respect and control over personal space, and as the IRU was being built, the hospital took note. The result was a comfortable and more homelike hospital ward that puts clients’ concerns and needs first.

While CAMH staff would do their best to ensure that clients have the opportunity to travel about the city safely, they often have to rely on cars or even the TTC for outings. The van, funded by the Beltranos' family and friends charity fundraiser, as well as by a portion of the proceeds from the Hockley Valley Resort and Verdi Hospitality Centre Golf Tournament and Spa Day, helps to satisfy two very basic but fundamentally important client needs. They now have private, clean and comfortable transportation to and from appointments outside CAMH, and the opportunity to participate in recreational activities most of us take for granted, such as going to the movies, bowling or even overnight camping.

“My brother felt so stuck at the hospital sometimes. We donated this van so that we can bring them out and expose them more to everyday life. Whether it be to a movie, bowling, skiing, apple picking, or anything recreational, getting them out of the hospital for fun is healthy and extremely important,” explained Natalie.

Experts agree. “Clients' participation in activities outside the hospital enables them to learn the skills that may eventually help them live independently in the community,” said Tim Avery, IRU Manager, CAMH. “We are all very excited.”

Delighted clients, a loving devoted family, a hard-working committee, two successful charity events, dedicated CAMH staff -- and now a bright blue van!

Transforming lives together.