LEGACY FOR ALEX GIVING $16,000 TO HELP WITH YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH, HOMELESSNESS

GRAVENHURST — After another successful fundraising dinner and auction, Legacy for Alex Kerswell is donating $16,000 in Alex’s memory.

The local charity, named after the son of Leanna and Shawn Kerswell, who died by suicide, in 2019, at the age of 17 is an annual event dedicated to raising funds for grassroots charities committed to initiatives that help youth who are struggling with mental health, addiction, and homelessness.

Funds raised at this fun event will be presented by the Kerswells at the following times:

  • Wednesday, September 16 at noon: $7,500 to Mind-Aid and the $7,500 Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka at Alex’s Place 49B Pine Street, Bracebridge
  • And Wednesday, September 23, at 4:30 p.m.:  $1,000 for the Legacy for Alex GHS Bursary Fund at Gravenhurst High School.

Legacy for Alex Kerswell’s goal is making a difference in the lives of youth in Muskoka. And goes toward initiatives that assist young people with mental health, addiction, and homelessness issues.

The organizers offer a special thank you to dinner sponsor The Oar and chef Bob Bourdeau, community businesses who generously donated silent auction items and to everyone who came out to support the charity and to those who have made donations. And to “our guardian angel Diane Bradley who continues to make this event so special and full of love. We couldn’t do this without you all,” said a release Friday.

Alex Kerswell was the inspiration for a 12-bed facility that helps youth and families deal and cope with suicide.

Housing for homeless youth

Alex’s Place opened in 2022 and is a 12-unit transitional housing program for youth aged 16–24 who are experiencing homelessness. It is named in memory of Alex Kerswell, “a local youth whose story continues to inspire change, this program reflects our commitment to providing young people with a safe, supportive environment to rebuild and move forward.”

  • Ali Medeiros, manager of Muskoka programs for the Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka said: “At Alex’s Place, we believe every young person deserves a safe space to heal, grow, and build a future. Thanks to the generous support of Legacy for Alex, we’re able to provide not just housing, but stability, community, and hope for the youth who walk through our doors. This partnership makes it possible for us to meet young people where they are — and help them get to where they want to be.  We are deeply grateful for your investment in our community’s future.”
  • Jody North, executive director of MiND-AID Muskoka said: “We are honoured to once again receive much needed funds from the Legacy for Alex fundraising dinner. The dollars will be used to help keep our Mobile Hub Team on the road, reaching youth in the community who may be struggling and do not know where to turn.  Funds will support our ‘Navigation Service,’ which walks alongside young people and families to ensure they get the best care possible, despite the many barriers that can stand in the way. This funding will also help cover the cost of therapy sessions not otherwise available to young people who cannot access the specialized care they need through free local mental health services in Muskoka.”
  • Clare McLean-Wilson, vice principal at GHS added: “We are grateful to the Kerswell family for their ongoing support of this bursary, in memory of their son Alex. The bursary fund supports GHS graduates to pursue and realize their post-secondary goals. This award is presented to students who have shown determination and strength in overcoming adversity throughout their years at GHS.