Oolagen is a mental health organization in Toronto helping youth and their families with mental health issues. The incredible part about Oolagen is that they operate on a very lean structure with administration costs at less than 10%, well below the industry norm.

Hosted by comedians Colin Mochrie and Debra McGrath, the evening at Ritz Carlton for the 3rd annual Oolagen gala “Night of Light” started with a reception and dinner followed by live auction.  We watched a video with Colin Mochrie and Debra McGrath where Colin tried to pronounce “Oolagen”. We heard from a young girl, Nicole, who talked about how she overcame her  mental health issues with the help of Oolagen.  The honourary gala chair was former Canadian Ambassador to Iran, Ken Taylor. He is well known for risking his own life to help save the lives of six American hostages during the Iran crisis. He’s a recipient of the Order of Canada and the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal.

Following a speech by Michael “Pinball” Clemons, the Oolagen gala awarded Michael Landsberg, the host of TSN’s Off the Record, with a 2013 Oolagen Award for bravely speaking publicly about his 14 year battle with depression. Michael Landsberg’s humble speech was incredibly passionate, heartfelt and also made everyone in the ballroom laugh to the point of tears.

Debra McGrath, Colin Mochrie

Debra McGrath, Colin Mochrie

Gord Martineau

Gord Martineau

Ken Taylor, Elena Semikina, Michael Landsberg

Ken Taylor, Elena Semikina, Michael Landsberg

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Nicole talking about overcoming her mental health issues

Nicole talking about overcoming her mental health issues

Michael Landsberg and his wife

Michael Landsberg and his wife

Michael Landsberg giving an incredible speech

Michael Landsberg giving an incredible speech

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ABOUT OOLAGEN
Oolagen is an accredited mental health centre helping Toronto youth and their families. Highly-respected for the work it does, Oolagen serves as a University of Toronto teaching facility and is long-term partners with the Toronto District School Board, the Children’s Aid Society, Catholic Children’s Aid, Ministry of Children and Youth Services, as well as other children’s mental health agencies and community groups.

For more information visit www.oolagen.org

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