Nick Paul's initiative that started here in North Bay when playing for the Battalion continues to help raise money for mental health support.
The Senators Community Foundation and Senators forward Nick Paul have joined forces to launch "Points By Paul" -- a player-driven initiative in support of youth mental health and the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health in conjunction with Bell Let's Talk Day.
For each point that Paul records during the 2021-22 season, the campaign will see him donate $150 to the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health. The Senators Community Foundation will match each of his donations. By way of having tallied nine points (six goals, three assists) through 34 games to date this season, $2,700 has already been committed to the Royal Ottawa Foundation.
The Ontario Hockey League was devastated by the death of Terry Trafford, a 20-year-old Saginaw Spirit player, who committed suicide in March 2014.
As a close friend of Trafford, Paul felt he had to do something and became passionate about raising awareness and funds for mental illness in youth in honour of his friend. In 2014, Paul partnered with the North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation for Points for Paul, to raise funds for the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit at the Health Centre.
“This is about more than just raising awareness, I want to give back and this is about making an impact on the lives of others,” said Paul back in 2014.
Last season, Paul joined the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health to help continue working on a cause that has long been important to him. With additional support from the Senators Community Foundation and by way of the Royal Ottawa Foundation's inspiring efforts throughout the national capital region, "Points by Paul" has now been reintroduced.
"We are so grateful for Nick's leadership both on and off the ice," said Royal Ottawa Foundation president Chris Ide. "Right now, one in four Canadians is struggling with a mental health issue. Nick's vision and generosity help our experts at The Royal provide additional support so more people can access world-class mental healthcare, recover faster and live a life filled with possibility."
Senators fans can support Paul's program and youth mental health in the region by pledging a set amount for the season or an amount for each "Point by Paul" by visiting www.ottawasenators.com/community/pointsbypaul.
