HISTORY

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia was established in 2002, a re-imagining of The Nova Scotia Hospital Foundation created in 1986 and led by Charles Keating. Keating envisioned a community that could work together to break down stigma and provide support to those living with mental illness.

At that time the Foundation only supported clients of the Nova Scotia Hospital as well as the Dartmouth community. However by 2002, we broadened our mandate to raise awareness and support for mental health care in the Capital District Health Authority and throughout communities in Nova Scotia. 

Today, we support the vision of the Nova Scotia Health’s Mental Health Program and Addiction’s Program and partner with the provincial government, community associations, and local business, to place greater emphasis on mental illness and its human toll through our Community Grants program and Nova Scotia Health: Mental Health and Addictions Central Zone Grants.  

The Keating family continues their support through the establishment of the Pathways to Hope fund, an education, awareness and housing initiative supporting people living with mental illness in our communities.  The Festival of Trees, an annual fundraising event, is the brainchild of Keating and continues to this day.