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Help Annette raise money

For participating in 2026 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

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My Story…

Hello Friends!
As some of you know, much of my life I have struggled with serious mental illness. From adolescence until well into my 30's I was in a revolving door of hospitals and struggle for both me and my family. 

This year I am raising money for Eli's Place in honour of Dr. Margaret Huntley, the doctor who treated me for 20 years.  Dr. Huntley passed away in 2018 after an amazing and inspirational life and career.  My recovery was guided by her, and her no-nonsense belief in me. She always thought I would have benefited from longer-term treatment, in a place that was safe, and had meaningful interventions, beyond the crisis care a hospital could provide. 

Eli’s Place Residential Treatment and Transition Centre will be that place. Based on the therapeutic model of a community, with treatment, support and meaningful activities like farming, Eli’s Place will be a place of recovery and hope for young people between 18-34. Eli's Place is planning to open near Guelph, Ontario in Fall 2026. 

People who are just like I was, will be able to find that recovery and stability that Dr. Huntley, my family, and I fought so hard for. 

Description

There’s a real gap in our mental health system for young adults living with serious mental illness, and Eli’s Place is here to help fill it.

Eli's Place is a working farm where every part of life is designed to support recovery. For young adults living with serious mental illness and the people who care about them, it is the only long-term therapeutic community in Canada that integrates clinical care, meaningful work and belonging into everyday life.

That combination is what sets Eli's Place apart. Guests do not simply receive treatment and leave. They join a community where clinical care, work that matters and genuine belonging are part of the same daily life, with support that continues beyond their time in residence. The approach draws on a proven farm-based model with more than a century of results, now brought to Canada for the first time.

Your contribution helps make this possible. If you’re able, I’d be truly grateful for your support. Any amount helps young adults with serious mental illness build a life worth living.