JEVI Lottery helps save lives
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I’m not telling you anything new by saying that the scourge of suicide is still a very worrying reality in Quebec. Here in the Eastern Townships, the number of suicides is "stable at about fifty cases per year. But all these people have left us because they no longer see options to eliminate their pain of living and in doing so have impacted the lives of parents, brothers, sisters, friends and colleagues. Therein lies the importance for JEVI to be there at the right time to intervene."
Those were the words of the Chair of the Board at JEVI, Mr. Michel Thibault, as he began his press conference highlighting the launch of the 33rd edition of the JEVI Lottery.
JEVI uses its resources in the region to prevent suicide, to support suicidal people, their loved ones, those bereaved following a suicide,as well as the interveners who rub shoulders with them. Its expertise is well-known and recognized.
To continue its mission of preventing suicide, JEVI needs the population to team up with it by responding to the invitation this week by Dr. Alain Côté, honorary president of this 33rd edition. "If we want to maintain and increase the services offered by JEVI, you have to look closely,” he said. ”JEVI is a community resource in suicide prevention that we have built in Estrie. The people, energy, and structure are in place. What drives JEVI is being the thread that binds the future of our society to life."
According to Executive Director Tania Boilar, JEVI traffic is steadily increasing. It has tripled in six years, from 4,733 calls in 2011-2012 to 14,200 calls in 201617. “Traffic has increased, but unfortunately, our funding has stayed the same,” Boilar said, “So you can understand how important the JEVI Lottery is to us. The purchase of tickets and the donations received in this campaign greatly contribute to keeping the intervention team in place.”
This year’s objective is to sell all 550 tickets issued, totaling a gross profit of $82,500. Donations are welcome, and can help exceed the goal. All profits help to maintain suicide prevention services for the entire population served by JEVI.
In addition to contributing to the cause, ticket purchasers have the chance to win one of six Stan-buy Club Travel Credits, one of two Eastman Spa packages, or a one-time $500 gift certificate from the Carrefour de l'estrie, a $350 gift certificate from the La Table du Chef Restaurant, or a $350 gift certificate from the JOUVENCE Resort.
Interested parties can purchase tickets either individually or in groups, by calling 819-564-7349. All information can be found on the JEVI website at www.jevi.qc.ca. The drawing will take place on Wednesday, June 6, 2018.