Over the past twelve months, we’ve had tremendous success providing a meaningful service to the community, one that can only be delivered thanks to our volunteer responders, staff, and committed Board of Directors. The dedication of all these people is truly inspiring, and I am grateful for each person who dedicates themselves to providing hope to our callers.

2024-2025 also marked a historic benchmark for the Distress Centre: never has the Centre answered more calls for help from the community. Between April 1st and March 31st, our volunteer responders answered 61,589 calls from clients who needed a listening ear. A portion of these calls came through the new national 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline, launched November 30, 2023. We are proud to offer these services, not only to people living in our region, but also throughout Canada.

The record number of calls were answered by our team of nearly 200 highly trained, competent and compassionate volunteer responders. They willingly give of their time and maintain the service 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

Behind the volunteers is our complement of 11 full-time and 36 part-time staff led by our Executive Director, Charles Laframboise. This is a bittersweet year as Charles has announced his retirement after a distinguished 25-year career with the Centre. Charles will be deeply missed and leaves an incredible legacy.

This year, the Board of Directors developed a two-year strategic plan. After launching 9-8-8 and adapting our technology, we wanted to stabilize our operations. The Centre’s strategic objectives for 2025-2027 include focusing on financial stability through the growth of funding sources and efficiencies of operations; understanding our responders’ capabilities and enhancing their experience during their time at the Centre; and improving our community engagement.

I would like to publicly thank our funders without whom the Distress Centre could not operate. Thanks to each of you we can continue to fulfill our commitment to listen to anyone who wants to talk, our 24/7 promise.

While we have come through a busy and challenging year, we look forward to the successful implementation of the many new initiatives that have been put forward. I am confident that the Distress Centre will continue to rise to the ever-increasing challenges our communities encounter.

I wish to acknowledge our entire team for their contributions to operating a successful, efficient, and effective service. From our funders, who are always there, to our devoted board of directors, our spirited and energetic staff, and our remarkable volunteers, I wish to say, “Thank You”. You have all made a difference in what really matters and what is profoundly important in life.