Supporters & Fundraisers

Michael Permack, Spire Group and the Boston Breakthrough Academy (BBA) have combined forces to raise $25,000 for Buddy Check for Jesse in a campaign called BREAKTHROUGH FOR BUDDY CHECK (BTFBC).

The primary purpose of Buddy Check For Jesse, a Canadian Charity started by my friend Dr. Stu Gershman, is to educate, raise awareness about mental health and help coaches open the door to mental health conversations with youth athletes.

Our youth are the future leaders of the world and we want to help Buddy Check support the education, awareness and de-stigmatization of mental health in sport.

Our question for you is simple: Has there ever been a better time to donate to youth mental health? DONATE HERE

Please consider donating to this incredible charity to support our future leaders’ mental health.

Operation Mission Possible recognizes that:

• Supporting mental health is extremely important and our youth need this now more than ever in human history.
• Youth are our future and they need more resources than are currently available; this needs to change.

Some Background

Michael, a long time friend of Stu’s from Winnipeg is an entrepreneur and a partner in the Spire Group which assists healthcare professionals and companies with their real estate requirements. 

MIchael is currently enrolled in the BBA which provides experiential leadership programs that support people in unlocking their passion, power, and purpose. 

Together Michael, the Spire Group and the BBA believe that focusing on and empowering our youth is essential to building healthy and resilient adults and communities. We believe that addressing the stigma around mental health is an essential component to achieving this. The importance of compassion, kindness, and checking up, or “Buddy Checking” others is a skill that can be established at an early age.

We support the approach that Buddy Check for Jesse takes as it aligns with our goal of unlocking human potential.

As a team, we believe the bonds we share on and off of the ice are created through kindness, caring and support. Being there for a teammate who is struggling could make a big difference. There should be no shame in talking about how we are feeling and reaching out when we need support.

The Saanich Predators want to bring forward awareness around mental health.

We know Buddy Check for Jesse has been impactful around the hockey community and we want to remind players, families and spectators the support that is out there if needed. Creating more awareness around mental health is important, not just under normal circumstances, though we feel with all that has happened in the last couple years it is extremely important now.

We will be raising funds throughout the season and hosting events.

Our first Buddy Check for Jesse event will be a hockey game between the Saanich Predators and the Victoria Cougars at Pearkes Arena on Friday, December 3rd, 2021. Gates open at 5:30pm, warm up starts at 6:00pm and puck drop is 6:30pm. Come join us to help raise mental health awareness.