WaterStone Foundation Pledges to Fund Much-Needed On-Campus Student Support Programs at Toronto Metropolitan University and George Brown College

WaterStone Foundation’s new Student Support Program will provide much-needed treatment and support to students suffering from eating disorders.

WaterStone Foundation — a registered Canadian charity raising funds, awareness and support for those suffering from eating disorders — today announced a new partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and George Brown College. WaterStone Foundation’s new Student Support Program will provide much-needed treatment and support to students suffering from eating disorders.

Approximately 2.9 million (1 in 13) Canadians have an eating disorder, and if not treated, the impact can be lifelong chronic illness and even death. In fact, eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.

Most eating disorders start at a young age and often worsen when students go to university and college. In addition, the pandemic has contributed to a surge in eating disorders among this group. While support programs vary from institution to institution, most colleges and universities cannot provide specialized treatment to students with eating disorders, even though the demand is significant.

“We are thankful to WaterStone Foundation for providing the funding to enable us to expand our team and hire a counsellor who specialises in eating disorders. We know that this program will make a difference for many students who need this specific support,” said Clara Tam, Director, Student Integrated Health and Wellbeing, Toronto Metropolitan University.

The WaterStone Foundation Student Support Program will provide funding to hire a dedicated eating disorder therapist at both institutions who will:

  • Provide individual treatment to students in need
  • Run support groups for students with eating disorders
  • Increase awareness and understanding of eating disorders on campus through health promotion activities
  • Work closely with community-based services and supports

“George Brown College is thrilled to partner with WaterStone Foundation to pioneer this expansion of specialized eating disorder treatment support for the College community. The prevalence and severity of eating disorders within the post-secondary student population, as well as the community at large, and the gap in appropriate supports and services make this partnership a vital step in addressing this issue. We are very grateful to WaterStone for their vision and support,” Yukimi Henry, Director, Counseling and Student Supports, George Brown College.

While this program is starting with George Brown College and Toronto Metropolitan University, WaterStone Foundation plans to expand the program to include additional post-secondary institutions in the coming years.

About WaterStone Foundation

WaterStone Foundation is a registered Canadian charity raising funds to support the vision of creating healthy lives free from eating disorders.

WaterStone’s goal is to provide much-needed funding to raise awareness and to improve access to treatment and support for individuals with eating disorders. Over the last 6 years, WaterStone has worked closely with the eating disorder community to identify where the need is greatest and has invested over $1 million in programs and initiatives that are making a meaningful difference. For more information or to donate, please visit waterstonefoundation.ca.

Available for interviews

Kim Duffy, Founder, WaterStone Foundation
Clara Tam, Director, Student Integrated Health and Wellbeing, Toronto Metropolitan University
Yukimi Henry, Director, Counseling and Student Supports, George Brown College