Distress Centres Annual Report - 2014

Distress Centres
2014 Annual Report

“A meaningful connection with a stranger: In a jammed
and fast-paced city with individuals focused on reaching
individual goals and using increasingly impersonal forms of
communication, indifferent to the 2000 (or more) people
whose paths and faces they cross daily – each one with
personal histories or struggles that will remain unknown,
DC provides an opportunity to truly get to know and reach
out to a stranger – a safe zone where the impacts of life,
society, relationships, employment, mental health can be
discussed freely without fear of judgment and repercussion.
The confidentiality and anonymity offered to both callers
and volunteers opens the doors to substantial conversations
and provides an opportunity for two strangers to connect in
a way that would almost seem unfeasible through any other
venue. While the calls may be short, they are meaningful,
deep and genuine.
They can have a profound impact on both the caller and the
volunteer, and one of the best things is – once you are done
with a call, you get to do it all over again. In one shift, you
can share in an emotional rollercoaster surrounding a wide
variety of human experiences, and have interacted with a
diverse and eclectic group of callers.”
( from engagement survey)
-Volunteer Distress Centres

Table of Contents
2
3
4
5
6
8
12
14
16
Letter from President
Letter from Executive Director
Distress Centres’ Strategic Plan
New Mission Announcement
Volunteers
A Year in Review (programs)
Fundraising Events
Summary Statement of Operations
Distress Centres’ Supporters

Letter from President
From time to time, organizations need to pause and ensure that the direction they are following is still fully
responsive to the changes that happen in the world around us. The changing expectations of the clientele
we serve, the significant impact of technology on the way we communicate and the increasingly challenging
financial context in which we operate make this exercise critical. Does our mission still resonate with our various
stakeholders and will our strategy allow us to position ourselves for continued relevance and success over the
long term? These are some of the fundamental questions that need to be jointly addressed by the Board of
Directors and the Management of any organization.
This starts with ensuring that we have the right mission statement. Defining a mission statement that fully reflects
the aspirations of the organization and the expectation of its stakeholders is no small undertaking. It has to reflect
the real focus of the organization while remaining broad enough to allow for our services to evolve. It has to carry
the emotional appeal of what we strive for in a concise statement that people relate to and easily remember.
Our new mission statement “We foster hope and resilience one connection at a time” is the result of a year-long
consultative and reflective process. Human connection is the core of hope and resiliency. Building hope and
resilience is the core of Distress Centres. This is the message that we wish to convey to all of our stakeholders.
While, in the short term, our new mission statement will not immediately affect the day-to-day services rendered
by the agency, it was a prerequisite for the upcoming review of our long-range strategic plan. The Board and
Management will now focus particular attention during 2015 on the changes and trends in our landscape and
the best strategies to pursue the long-term success of our mission.
Your Board of Directors has also devoted its attention to other areas where it can bring additional value. Securing
additional and recurring sources of financing remains a key priority in an environment that is increasingly difficult
for all. We will also continue to aim for best-in-class governance, as expected by our stakeholders. And we will
continue to support Management in its leadership role within the community and in particular the distress centres
movement.
In closing, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to: Karen Letofsky, our Executive Director, who continues
to be the heart and soul of Distress Centres and who has built this great organization which we are all so proud;
our management and professional team who are taking on increasing challenges with all the dedication for
which they are known; and, our team of volunteers, who are the core of Distress Centres – they are the ones that
are making a difference in the lives of so many people by making all these connections, one at a time. Special
appreciation, as well, to our generous donors, for their continued support and confidence.
I would be remiss if I did not underline the contribution of our board members, who agreed to volunteer a
considerable amount of their time simply because they believe so much in our cause. I would like to express my
appreciation to Pennie Santiago and Tom Wewoir who stepped down from the Board in 2014.
It is truly an honour and a privilege for me to be associated with this tremendous organization, as we foster hope
and resilience, one connection at a time.
Alain Thibault
President of the Board
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Distress Centres Annual Report 2014

Letter from Executive Director
Leadership and partnership have been the defining principles embedded in our current set of strategic pillars. As
we assess the progress made to date in preparation for the next planning cycle, it is clear that 2014 was a year
of significant accomplishment for Distress Centres. Our agency continually demonstrated that as a leadership
organization, we understood the importance of leading from all directions: ahead, beside and behind. We
enhanced our footprint in the areas of suicide prevention, intervention, postvention and mental health support
through innovation, collaboration and community engagement.
This past year, Distress Centres, working with its national, provincial and local networks, was able to merge identified
gaps in service with evidence-based research, in order to work with community partners in the development of
possible new programming that can address these needs in the future. While we are still in early stages with these
initiatives, the process undertaken validates our agency’s commitment to joining with our colleagues in the sector
to ensure that, as we build support capacity, we avoid duplication in favour of a continuum of services. Our
about-to-be-launched Trillium-funded online program, in partnership with Community Torchlight, Spectra Services,
Distress Centres Durham and Distress Centres Ontario, is just one example of how we are working with others to
build a model of integrated helpline services that can be replicated with other delivery channels and for new
population-specific mental health programs. As part of creating this demonstration model, we are also engaged
in the process of identifying best practices, defining outcome measures and developing procedures to address
and mitigate any inherent risks.
And, this is only one of our many collaborations. In 2014, Distress Centres entered into two formal partnerships,
St. Elizabeth’s and the Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities, in order to work together in the provision of
support to those experiencing mental health crises and traumatic-loss related grief. As well, we supported the work
of networks dedicated to newcomer emotional well-being, bereavement support, and community crisis response.
Our leadership role contributed to strengthening the emotional safety net through our pioneering dedicated line
partnerships (PARO Helpline, EMS Warm Transfer, and TTC Crisis Link) and the training and consultation provided by
our Community Outreach and Education Program.
We were delighted last year to once again be selected by Charity Intelligence Canada as a four-star charity,
one of a relatively small number chosen nationally to receive these top honours. Our inclusion in this group is a
reflection of a year where demand for service increased in all of our programs and we were able to meet them
with improved outcomes, a growing volunteer corps and enhanced community footprint. Not only has awareness
of our agency significantly spread during the past months, but we have been able to use this heightened profile to
effectively promote suicide and mental health awareness with activities such as International Suicide Prevention
Day and National Survivors of Suicide Day. We set a quality agenda and worked hard to achieve it.
It is clear that Distress Centres, in fulfilling its mission, is characterized by the people who define and staff it. We
are in the business of people, individuals connecting with individuals. The core of our agency is the staff who are
responsible for ensuring both its day-to-day functioning as well as providing the inspiration for its continuity. Special
gratitude is extended to them for their commitment, expertise and energetic leadership. We were also pleased
this year to welcome three new after-hours coordinators whose sharing of the workload has helped us maintain
quality support and supervision during the critical evening and weekend hours. The volunteers have expressed
their appreciation for the enhanced access to on-site staff. Their endorsement of this capacity building addition
is important since volunteer satisfaction and engagement are priority concerns for Distress Centres. We were
gratified that in our recent Volunteer Engagement Survey, there was such a high response rate (400) with the
majority providing positive feedback about their experiences with the agency. Thank you to our frontline service
providers who 24/7 demonstrate their emotional fortitude in being there for those in need. No natural or technical
disaster has managed to keep you from your post—there is no more tangible proof of your compassion and
support of others.
As we continue the organizational transformation of our agency to meet the needs of the future, we do so
knowing that we delivered in all of the strategic directions. Financial resource development is the one area of
focus that presents ongoing areas of concern in this highly complex and challenging fundraising environment.
Throughout the implementation of this plan, however, there is no doubt that we have benefitted greatly from the
financial assistance of our donors and our core funders, United Way and City of Toronto. Most importantly, our
success has been enabled and supported by the expertise and oversight of our talented and committed Board of
Directors. Thank you.
Karen Letofsky, C.M.
Executive Director
Distress Centres Annual Report 2014 3

Distress Centres Strategic Plan
1
Consolidating our position as the recognized
leader in the area of suicide prevention, crisis
management and postvention.
2
Strengthening our commitment to
volunteerism as the model of choice.
3
Broadening our reach through
technology and emerging
communication channels.
4
Assuming a leadership role in
the delivery of coordinated
distress centres services.
5
Securing our long-term
financial resources.
6
Anchoring our services in our
commitment to community and
our embrace of diversity.
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Distress Centres Annual Report 2014

New Mission Announcement
Human connection is the core of hope and resiliency. Building hope
and resilience is the core of Distress Centres. After a significant process
of consultation with our supporters and communities, Distress Centres
is changing our mission statement to reflect this:
“We foster hope and resilience
one connection at a time.”
We all need to experience connection in order to feel empowered
and supported in our lives. We get to benefit from this through our
family, friends, and through services like Distress Centres.
The individuals who are supported by Distress Centres tend to
experience their frustration and thwarted needs in isolation, and are
often desperately in search of necessary human connection and an
emotional safety net. Our programs foster connections that have the
power to transform lives and create lasting social impact.
Distress Centres Annual Report 2014 5

Volunteers
During the last 48 years, we have trained more than 15,000 volunteers,
to provide “best in class” support to those most in need. We do this
by providing them with opportunities to hone their skills, attitude and
knowledge around mental health support. We strive to be leaders in
providing the best volunteer opportunities and experiences. We do
this by constantly reviewing our training programs through processes
like the 360 review that took place last year. This year we conducted
our first formal volunteer engagement survey which resulted in the
creation of a new Volunteer Engagement Committee, to ensure we
are meeting the ever-changing needs of our volunteers. More than 400
volunteers participated. With more than 230 new volunteers entering
our doors each year, we are committed to ensuring an environment
for volunteers where they are engaged and appreciated. The results
of this survey have ensured that we are now more informed about how
to meet the specific needs of our volunteers, whether that be in the
areas of training, or general engagement with Distress Centres.
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Distress Centres Annual Report 2014

We were able to ask volunteers why Distress Centres was important to
them and here are some of their responses:
“Through our efforts, people are able to
connect to one another despite isolation,
mental health, social status, cultural diversity,
and differences.”
Erin
“It allows me to alleviate, even if for a brief
moment, the pain of someone in distress.
Being involved with Distress Centres has
taught me that I can contribute to the lives
of others by just being available and being a
good listener. I have learned a lot.”
“It allows those in their darkest
hour to be connected to
someone who is supportive and
willing to listen.”
Jeff
Ekta
“It is a safe place where you can
create meaningful connections
with others without any fear of
judgement”
Siobhan
“It has changed my perspective on the world
and it has allowed me to make an impact on
someone’s life.”
Alexandra
“It connects at risk and individuals needing connection
to a safe and non-judgmental space to communicate.”
Jeffrey
“We all need an ear now and again; this lets
me be that ear for another.”
Avinash
Distress Centres Annual Report 2014 7

A year in review (programs):
408 Helpline
We responded to 82, 325 calls in 2014, in comparison to the 75,746 contacts made in 2013. 156,226 calls were
placed during the same time period. The increased volume of activity is a reflection of the higher profile
afforded to our agency in 2014 as a result of the public discourse on suicide and mental health. Distress
Centres occupied a leadership position in this discussion. It also demonstrates the positive outcomes of
our newly-created after-hours coordinator positions in support of monitoring call management practices
to increase capacity and providing relief coverage. Almost 89% of our calls were answered within the
Ministry of Health’s best practice crisis response guidelines of fifteen (15) minutes.
Community Outreach and Education Program
Our Staff were very active in United Way’s Speaker’s Bureau, delivering 2 dozen speeches during the 2014
campaign, for which our agency has been commended. In addition, we were invited to present on 42 additional
occasions, including DCO networking conferences, Bell Canada’s mental health initiatives, and
in response to requests from community agencies, such as Assaulted Women’s Helpline, Family Services,
Public Health, Victim Services, the Toronto Art Therapy Institute and others. As in previous years, most of
these were the result of previous contacts or referrals. Evaluations indicate high levels of satisfaction from
the perspective of relevance and knowledge transfer.
In 2014, agency staff also consulted approximately 20 times with other community organizations with
respect to volunteer management, suicide protocols, helpline development, crisis intervention and mental
health support. As well, our agency’s media profile expanded considerably through the 21 contacts that
were made by their various outlets.
Professional Association of Residents of Ontario (PARO)
Specially selected Distress Centres volunteers are trained to support the unique emotional needs
experienced by medical residents, students, and their families. Our volunteers continue to provide around
the clock, 365 days a year access to support for a multitude of issues; including workplace harassment,
burnout, mental health concerns, as well as maintaining positive work/life balance.
12 volunteers, were newly trained in 2014, maintaining the overall size of the active responder corps at 25.
This is a sufficient number to support the current scheduling roster. A compulsory two-year refresher training
has recently been implemented.
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Distress Centres Annual Report 2014

Who is calling?
Here are some highlights of who called in 2014
35%
male identified
Gender
64%
female identified
In 2014 we experienced an increase
in male identified callers.
Age
24-44
Age
45-64
Age
65+
34% 65%
single/
separated/
divorced
31% widowed 2%
Marital Status
married/
12% partnered 7%
Why are they calling?
Each caller may have many different reasons for connecting with us. The average number of concerns each caller
had in 2014 is 3. Here are some of those concerns
10%
Substance Abuse/
Addictions
18%
Abuse/Violence
8%
Sexuality
100% 96% 12% 33%
Interpersonal
Mental Health
Suicide
There has been a large increase in interpersonal and mental health concerns with our callers in
comparison to the previous year.
Physical Health
How did we do?
At the end of each call we check in with our callers to see how they are feeling compared to the beginning of the
call. This is what they told us.
25% 40% 50% 8% 14%
Reduced
isolation/
loneliness
Reduced
emotional
distress
Decreased
suicide
intent/risk
Changed
insight/
perspective
Coping
mechanisms
in place
*92 percent of callers experienced a positive outcome in 2014

Crisis Link
After the launch of Crisis Link in 2011, we reached our 3rd year of service delivery in June 2014. By the end
of 2014, we responded to a total of 438 individuals in need of assistance, providing emotional support,
distress management and crisis intervention services to TTC passengers. Thanks to our dedicated Crisis
Link call responders, we were able to successfully provide assistance to the vast majority of callers, without
requiring TTC intervention. At the same time, the number of calls requiring 911 emergency response has
risen over time. We implemented a number of activities in 2014 in order to review and reconnect with our
program goals, including reviewing and updating our program protocols, working with TTC as members of
their Suicide Advisory Committee and continuing to receive feedback on each call involving TTC response.
We also promoted connection with our program partners by arranging tours of Transit Control Operations
Centre, enabling all Crisis Link call responders the opportunity to boost their awareness of TTC operations
and draw important connections between what happens in our phone rooms and what that looks like
from the TTC perspective, when we call Transit Control.
Caller Reassurance for Seniors
In 2014, we created a distinct volunteer roster solely dedicated to meeting the needs of the registered
Caller Reassurance participants. The higher demand for service of the program has almost doubled the
number of participants since 2013. Initially, our target was to double the number of seniors being assisted
by 2016. We achieved this a year sooner than expected.
The significant growth in this program is a testament to its developing a positive reputation in the community.
Initially, our referrals came from the Distress Centres’ 408 helpline callers. It then transitioned to requests
originating from brochures that were provided to appropriate senior service providers; and, now referrals
are coming from multiple sources including psychiatric staff, doctors and hospital staff arranging aftercare
resources to patients who can use more community supports upon discharge.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Warm Transfer Line
2014 experienced the highest volume of calls since the inception of the partnership program. This increase
in the number of contacts is a product of both more calls to EMS and their greater internal awareness of
the program. We have been noting this growth in the service since 2013, after several years of stagnant/
declining usage. Activity levels are determined by EMS’s patterns of initiating contact. Distress Centres
provides monthly statistics to EMS and the feedback from liaison staff continues to be very positive. We
have just completed the third year of the renewed five year contract.
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Distress Centres Annual Report 2014

Survivor Support Program
The Survivor Support Program went through a year of growth and adjustment in 2014. As a specialized
grief/traumatic death program, we were able to offer more support than in previous years, in both one- on
-one and group contexts.
In response to our need to meet the increased demand in a timely manner, and our recognition of the
importance of being more flexible in our range of supports, we began offering drop-in support during the
summer. That new programming format was well-attended and received.
During 2014, we established new partnerships. A formal relationship between our program and the
Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities was finalized and space was offered for our first support
group in Scarborough.
Volunteers became more active than ever before in the delivery of services for the Survivor Support Program.
New leadership roles were created to encourage volunteers to take on complementary responsibilities.
Volunteers have been invited to participate in a greater variety of support roles as well as to mentor new
trainees.
On-line Crisis Chat and Text Services
In 2014, Distress Centres formed a collaborative with Distress Centre Durham, Community Torchlight
Wellington, Spectra Services and Distress Centre Ontario to deliver an integrated online support service
in Ontario. Thanks to multi-year funding provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, we have been able
to build a model of service using this new delivery channel. Despite several pre-existing programs in
other parts of North America, we have created a community-based demonstration model that reflects
Canadian best practice standards and is consistent with the core service principles of the helpline partners.
We have been simultaneously customizing the software application and developing training, policies and
operational procedures. The testing phase is almost complete, with a soft launch slated for spring 2015,
and a full roll out after that. It is anticipated that new Ontario helpline partners will gradually be onboarded
once the program is operating at full capacity.
Distress Centres Annual Report 2014 11

Fundraising events
B.A.D. Ride 17
The 17th annual B.A.D. Ride continued to be one of the premier one-day riding events in Ontario. On May 25th
2014, approximately 1,000 motorcycles and 1,300 participants gathered in support of Distress Centres. These
Bikers Against Despair and their passengers once again traversed the three-hour scenic ride across the Ontario
countryside before arriving at the Markham Fair Grounds for the after-ride party. Thank you to our generous
sponsors; as their support allowed us to continue our pledge that 100% of the funds generated by participants
went directly into our programs, providing support to the community’s most vulnerable individuals.
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Distress Centres Annual Report 2014

Concert by Twilight In-Home Recognition Event
For the past 19 years, we have invited guests to gather for an evening of fellowship
and refreshment in a special home arranged by our patrons; but, in 2014, the Concert
by Twilight took a different direction. The Concert by Twilight evolved into the In-Home
Recognition Event. We encouraged individuals to celebrate a relaxing evening in
their own home, while toasting and recognizing the work of Distress Centres.
Andrew Ferrone Memorial Golf Tournament
The Andrew Ferrone family has been a strong supporter of Distress Centres for
several years and has continued to support our agency through the Andrew Ferrone
Memorial Golf Tournament. Once again, the Ferrone Family generously donated the
funds from their 2014 annual event to Distress Centres. We are extremely grateful for
their commitment to our agency through this tribute event.
Natasha’s Fundraising Cocktail Gala
The First Annual Fundraising Cocktail Gala in honour of Survivor Support Program took
place on April 25th 2014. A big Distress Centres thank you to Natasha Denkovski and
her wonderful Event Ambassadors who helped promote the memorial event. Natasha
hosted more than 150 friends and family, who came together at the Arta Gallery in
the Distillery District to help raise money and increase awareness of our mission.
Distress Centres Annual Report 2014 13

Report of the Independent Auditor on
the Summary Statement of Operations
DISTRESS CENTRES
Report of the Independent Auditor on the Summary Statement of Operations
TO THE MEMBERS OF DISTRESS CENTRES
The accompanying summary statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 is
derived from the audited financial statements of Distress Centres for the year ended December
31, 2014. We expressed a qualified audit opinion on those financial statements in our report
dated March 23, 2015 (see below).
The summary statement of operations do not contain all the disclosures required by Canadian
accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations. Reading the summary financial
statements therefore, is not a substitute for reading the audited financial statements of the
Centres.
Management’s Responsibility for the Summary Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation of a summary of the audited financial
statements in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations.
Auditor’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the summary statement of operations based on
our procedures, which were conducted in accordance with Canadian Auditing Standard
(CAS) 810, “Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements”. However, the summary
financial statements may be misstated to the equivalent extent as the audited financial
statements of the Centres for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Opinion
In our opinion, the summary statement of operations derived from the audited financial
statements of Distress Centres for the year ended December 31, 2014 is a fair summary of those
financial statements, in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit
organizations.
In our report dated March 23, 2015 on the audited financial statements, we expressed a
qualified opinion. Our qualified audit opinion is based on the fact that in common with many
similar organizations, the Centres derives revenues from fund-raising events and donations, the
completeness of which is not susceptible to satisfactory audit verification. Accordingly, our
verification of these revenues was limited to the amounts recorded in the records of the Centres
and we are not able to determine whether any adjustments might be necessary to revenues,
deficiency of revenues over expenses, assets and net assets. Our qualified opinion states that
except for the possible effects of described matter, if any, those financial statements present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Centres as at December 31, 2014,
and its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with
Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations.
Toronto, Ontario
March 23, 2014
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
Licensed Public Accounts
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Distress Centres Annual Report 2014

Summary Statement of Operations
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
Revenues
United Way of Greater Toronto
Grants - City of Toronto
TTC Crisis Link
Corporations, foundations and church groups
Donations - individuals
Fund-raising events (net of expenses)
Emergency Medical Services
Professional Association of Residents of Ontario (PARO) grant
Amortization of deferred capital grants
Interest and miscellaneous
2014
$ 299,326
109,300
108,367
111,853
112,128
205,656
22,338
61,961
10,142
10,411
1,051,482
2013
$ 292,917
106,935
107,250
161,051
73,881
265,676
22,338
61,500
8,940
9,571
1,110,059
Expenses
Salaries and employee benefits
Building occupancy
Office - telephone, supplies, postage, etc.
Volunteer recruitment, training and resources
Accounting and audit
Depreciation
Other
707,899
111,700
164,741
66,187
8,159
10,943
31,034
1,100,663
685,753
112,640
162,064
70,030
8,237
10,215
33,486
1,082,425
Deficiency of revenues over expenses for the year
$ (49,181)
$ 27,634
Distress Centres Annual Report 2014 15

Our Supporters
Corporations
1784905 Ontario Limited
Barrie Honda
Canadian Biker
CIBC Mellon Global Securities Services
Contour Machine Ltd.
Danier Leather Inc.
Diversified Insurance Company
Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc.
Flextilt Ltd.
Gateway Mechanical Services Inc.
Glenerin Inn
H.I.Y.C Inc.
Honda Canada Inc.
Hydro One Inc.
Intact Foundation
J Abraham Inc.
JTI-Macdonald Corp.
Kilgour’s Bar Meets Grill
Lexus of Oakville
Metro Florist Inc.
Ontario Power Generation
Pape Finch Dental
RBC Royal Bank
River Edge Dental
Saturnino Production Services Inc.
Silverberg, Perel & Sheldon LLP
Toronto Transit Commission
Unilock Ltd.
Viking Engineering
Village Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ltd.
White Store Equipment Ltd.
B.A.D. Ride Team
Monty Ackerman
Bernie Atlas
Herb Belman
Simon Fogel
Jeff Greenberg
Keely Jacox
Stan Letofsky
Paul Marsala
Gloria Morris
Steve Nusbaum
Lori Nusbaum
Michael O’Niell
Murray Parr
Sam Rattner
Sid Rochwerg
Kevin Rosenthall
Foundations
B & B Hamilton Foundation at the Toronto Foundation
E. W. Bickle Foundation
Echo Foundation
F.K. Morrow Foundation
Foundation Alex U. Soyka
Golvin Charitable Foundation
Greygates Foundation
Jackman Foundation
Pace Family Foundation
St. Andrew’s Charitable Foundation
The Craig Steward Esplen Family Foundation
The Geoffrey H. Wood Foundation
The Henry White Kinnear Foundation
The John Dax Charlton Foundation
The Morris Justein Family Charitable Foundation
The Murphy Foundation Incorporated
The Robert Campeau Family Foundation
The Sharp Foundation
Toskan Casale Foundation
Churches
Asbury and West United Church
Humber Valley United Church
Rosedale United Church
Ambassadors
Cindy Blakely
The Reverend Graham Cotter
The Honourable Consigilo Di Nino
The Right Reverent Terence Finaly
Guy P. French
Jane Hill
Gordon C. Gray
Dr. Hung-Tat Lo
Arthur A. Scace
Richard M. Thomson
George A. Wilson
The Reverend Gordon Winch
B.A.D. Ride Sponsors
Artik
Beard Winter LLP
Bentall Retail Services
Dave And Buster’s
Davies Harley-Davidson
Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc.
Hero Certified Burgers
Hooters
iMarkAgency
Jacox Harley-Davidson
Lake Simcoe Arms
Lettieri
Mackie Harley-Davidson
Markham Fair
MotoLimo
Motorcycle Mojo Magazine
Motorcycle Supershow
National
Orbixa Management Services
Palmer Audio Inc.
Petite Thuet
Q107 Classic Rock
Ready Honda
Ready Powersports
Riders Plus Insurance
Scotiabank
Stitchy Lizard Embroidery & Promotional Items
Terraplan Landscape Architects
The Motorcycle Show Toronto
The Roaming Coyotes
Vita Sociale
Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd.
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Distress Centres Annual Report 2014

Distress Centres Staff
Distress Centre Central
Karen Letofsky, Executive Director
Carrie-Ann Goodfellow, Resource Development Manager
Lindsay Sweeney, Resource Development Manager
Rhonda Sorgen, Resource Development Administrative Assistant
Beth Rosell, Manager of Administration
Stephanie Banks, Event and Resource Development Coordinator
Hilla Gutman, Centre Manager, EMS and PARO Coordinator
Kurtiss Trowbridge, Volunteer Coordinator
Alex Shendelman, Program Coordinator Survivor Support Program
Emily Ward, After-Hours Volunteer Coordinator
Distress Centre North
Melissa Bosman, Centre Manager, Crisis Link Coordinator
Lori O’Neill, Volunteer Coordinator
Jaclyn Sturm, After-Hours Volunteer Coordinator
Distress Centre Scarborough
Kim Watson, Centre Manager, Caller Reassurance Program Coordinator
Marietta Bastianpillai, Volunteer Coordinator
Canny Wu, After-Hours Volunteer Coordinator
Distress Centres Board of Directors 2014
Alain Thibault, President
Lisa Swartzman, Treasurer
Thomas Appleyard
Lindsay Hill
Alana Hunt
Melissa LaFlair
Noorez Lalani
Pennie Santiago
Helga Schnider
Thomas Wewior
Vision
To ensure that every individual in need receives life-sustaining emotional support.
Mission
We foster hope and resilience one connection at a time.
We Say
There’s a life on the line.

For more information, contact us
Distress Centres
10 Trinity Square
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1B1
Tel. (416) 598-0166
Fax. (416) 598-2316
info@torontodistresscentre.com
www.torontodistresscentre.com
Charitable Registration Number: BN 10702 1016 RR0001
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