Thumbs Up Advocacy Foundation

Thumbs Up Foundation is an Alberta-based mental health awareness and suicide prevention foundation, established as a result of the sudden and tragic passing of Jesse Braden Titus (1984 – 2015). “Brady”, as he was known to his family and friends, was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, and all-around good buddy. His suicide was a heart-breaking eye-opener to many of us. Starting with his mother and father (both named Kim), Brady’s family and friends began looking into mental health care and awareness in Alberta, as well as the larger suicide epidemic in Canada. Brady struggled with depression briefly before his suicide and was unable to access crucial mental health care in the weeks leading up to his death. It is our belief that Brady and thousands more across Canada are falling through the cracks when it comes to receiving quality mental health care in a timely manner.

As with our Foundation’s very creation, our name is for Brady—who could be seen in most photos with his thumbs up. It is also a reminder to us to stay positive and do our best to make a helpful contribution to the dialogue and awareness around mental health care and suicide prevention.

Thumbs Up Foundation has donated more than $200,000 in support of local initiatives and pilot projects that encourage and promote mental health awareness for Airdrie and Area.

A sampling of our projects include:

1) Establishing and funding the Airdrie Mental Health Task Force, a year-long project that resulted in recommendations and initiatives to positively impact the mental health and well-being of the community.

2) Obtaining a Policy Wise project grant to plan and prepare for an Integrated Youth Service Delivery Hub in the community.

3) Endorsing and funding a peer support pilot project led by Cool Family Solutions, integrating family care as an important part of mental health wellness.