Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) receives donation from Japanese philanthropist

Burlington, Ont.— March 5, 2018— Japanese philanthropist Taroo Enomoto, from Burlington’s twin city, Itabashi, Japan, has donated C$1,022 to the Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK).

Enomoto has donated close to C$40,000 to Burlington over the past 29 years, including donating rhododendrons to Paletta Lakefront Mansion. His generosity towards Burlington began in 1989 with the twinning of Burlington and Itabashi.

The twinning agreement was signed at Burlington City Hall by former Mayors Roly Bird and Keizo Kurihura on May 12, 1989. The relationship has developed since that time through regular citizen visits, official delegations and memorable anniversary celebrations. The bond has been strengthened through the Burlington Mundialization Committee and multiple exchanges.

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Quotes

Mayor Rick Goldring

“Mr. Enomoto’s generosity over the past 29 years will have a lasting effect for many years to come. ROCK is a great organization with quality programs for today’s children and youth.  I want to thank Mr. Enomoto for his continued support and love for the City of Burlington.”

Ward 6 Councillor Blair Lancaster, City Council’s representative on the Burlington’s Mundialization Committee

“Mundialization is, in part, declaring ones self a "world citizen" and being aware of global issues with a sense of shared rights and responsibility. Mr. Enomoto definitely fits that description with his compassion and concern for the wellbeing of the youth in our city.”

Joanna Matthews, Vice-President of Strategic Development, ROCK

“ROCK is grateful to Mr. Enomoto and the Burlington Mundialization Committee for this donation in support of local children, youth and families.

Not only are one in five youth battling mental health issues, we also know that families often have trouble meeting basic needs such as food, clothing and housing or accessing support systems and recreational activities. ROCK will use this generous donation for the Our Community Cares (OCC) program in Burlington.”

Links and Resources

burlington.ca/mund

The definition of "mundialization" is the act of a city or local authority declaring itself a "world citizen" and being aware of global issues with a sense of shared rights and responsibility. The word itself stems from the Latin word "mundus" which means "world". The concept involves the twinning of cities from around the world, in the belief that peaceful cooperation depends on mutual trust and appreciation among peoples of different nations, races, cultures and systems. Mundialization encourages citizen connections as a way of fostering world peace and global understanding.

About ROCK Reach Out Centre for Kids

ROCK Reach Out Centre for Kids is a non-profit, registered charitable organization and the largest accredited children’s mental health centre in Halton. ROCK provides a multi-disciplinary approach to the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of mental health issues for children, youth and their families and strives to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. The Ministry of Children and Youth Services chose ROCK as the Lead Agency for the child and youth mental health sector for Halton in 2014. As the lead agency, ROCK co-ordinates services and collaborates with partners and health care agencies across the region. These partnerships help to strengthen the community-based system for delivering mental health services by putting the focus on delivering a wide spectrum of children's, youth's and families' ​services including walk-in therapy clinics, psychological and diagnostic assessments, family and individual therapy and parent and children's support groups. For more information, visit rockonline.ca.

About the OCC program

OCC provides children from birth to 17 and their families an opportunity to meet community members, participate in programs and take advantage of a wide variety of services.

Photos

Mundialization Committee members present the cheque to R.O.C.K. staff

From L – R: Ward 6 City of Burlington Councillor Blair Lancaster, Mundialization Chair Ed Dorr, City of Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring, Roni Lypko ROCK), Kirsten Dougherty (ROCK), Joanna Matthews (ROCK), Rob Lyng, Chair of Mundialization's Itabashi Sub-Committee, Kelly Giulinani (ROCK)

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