In this time of COVID we are increasingly aware of mental health and allied challenges including a growing demand for services. The is very evident in the Sooke Region and applies not only to mental health, but to individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. Following our donations to Sooke Shelter Society, Ayer Manor, and West Coast Family Medical Clinic, the Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation is pleased to announce the Mary Brown Memorial Fund to support charities in our communities delivering services to people with mental health and/or disability needs. Mary Brown lived for many years in Shirley, BC. She was a university qualified Social Worker and Psychiatric Social Worker and worked throughout her career to support people with disabilities and mental health challenges in Canada, UK, and Australia. For nearly 20 years through the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, she regularly made and donated soup to support the church’s Vital Vittles lunch program. Mary also became well known in Sooke and Shirley for her early music harpsichord concerts including her historical commentaries regarding the music she played. Applications are invited from registered charities providing related services in our region from Beecher Bay to Port Renfrew. Grants may be requested for amounts up to $10,000 from individual charities or collaborative partnerships. Application forms will be available on our website. For further information contact the Foundation admin@sookejdfhealthfoundation.org . Applications must be received no later than October 31, 2021. Grants will be awarded December 2021. ..................................................................... We welcome donations towards this important work in the Sooke Region. These may be made through our website or mailed directly to P.O. Box 303, Sooke, BC V9Z 1G1.