It is time to start planning for our 2nd Annual Jacob Ranton Memorial Basketball Tournament in support of the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council (WRSPC). Last year’s event was a huge success. We engaged people to dialogue about mental health, encouraged them to take care of themselves and each other, as well as to communicate when they are not OK. In addition, with the support of our family, friends, the basketball community and the citizens of Waterloo, we were able to raise almost $20,000. These funds allowed the WRSPC to continue to educate, train, support and help those with mental health issues as well as continue their focus on suicide prevention. This year’s tournament is to be held on December 16th and 17th, co-hosted by Waterloo Collegiate and Bluevale. We have also added a silent auction to the event this year with some amazing items!
We have learned over the 2 years that Jacob has been gone, that he died of a “life threatening” illness. In fact, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among our youth. Mental illness, like cancer and heart disease, is an illness that needs financial support so that we can continue to provide treatment and education in addition to funding research to reduce the impact of suicide on our community. Please see the following link for WRSPC’s 2016 mission statement: http://wrspc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/WRSPC-priorities-2016.pdf
Jacob loved the game of basketball and he loved to help others. It is our hope that this tournament helps at least one or two individuals to recognize the pain that Jacob must have felt and if they do, seek help and support. We also hope that it helps families to not have to endure this difficult journey that we are on. WRSPC is doing amazing things at both the community and national level to address mental health and suicide. We would really appreciate it if you would consider donating to this wonderful organization through the 2nd Annual Jacob Ranton Memorial Basketball Tournament. Our “Gentle Giant” would be so thankful and I am sure he would embrace you with one of his infamous hugs.
Thanks from the bottom of our hearts!
Love you to the moon, Jacob!
