OTTAWA, ON., Oct. 8, 2025 - The Royal’s annual Leaders for Mental Health Breakfast brought together just over 700 community, business, and health system leaders in a powerful show of support for improved access to mental illness and addiction care across the region.
With hundreds in attendance, the event underscored an urgent and shared priority: ensuring that individuals and families can access help when they need it most. Funds raised will directly support programs and innovations at The Royal that remove barriers to care, expand access to specialized services, and drive research-informed solutions that help people reclaim their lives from mental illness and addiction.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us this morning — our sponsors, donors, and community partners — for standing with us in support of better mental illness and addiction care,” said Chris Ide, president and CEO, of the foundation at The Royal. “Every gift made today is an investment in access — helping us reach more people, more quickly, with the care they need. Together, we’re building a community where no one has to wait years for help. I encourage everyone to stay engaged, share our message, and continue supporting The Royal as we work to make timely, more effective care a reality for all.”
This year’s theme — Improving Access to Mental Illness Care — reflects The Royal’s commitment to reimagining how care is delivered, working in collaboration with partners across the health system to build a stronger, more connected continuum of services. From expanding urgent care to advancing clinical research, funds raised through the Breakfast help The Royal improve access to timely specialized, and more effective care for people living with mental illness and addiction.
“The need for mental illness and addiction services has never been greater,” said Cara Vaccarino, president and CEO, The Royal. “Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we’re able to continue building a system where care is accessible, more effective, and anchored in evidence.”
The Royal extends heartfelt thanks to its donors, sponsors, and community partners whose support makes this vital work possible.