Brain Trust Canada
Guest contribution by Wendy Williams
OPUS Framing and Art Supplies of Kelowna raised $925.74 for the local not-for-profit organization BrainTrust Canada, and its rehabilitation service division COBIS (Coordinated Okanagan Brain Injury Services) with a special fundraiser over the 2007 holiday season in memory of local artist Gilbert Walters. Gilbert Walters was a Wet'suwet'en native artist whose artwork was highly influenced by his love of nature and credited other well known native artists for the inspiration behind his work.
Brain injury has been labeled an epidemic, and is the greatest cause of death and disability under 44. Every 5 minutes, someone sustains brain injury - and every 7 hours, someone dies. The brain controls EVERYTHING - personality, cognitive abilities, physical and emotions. Brain injury can be sustained from a variety of means, including motor vehicle crashes, stroke, falls, assaults, sports concussions, drug and alcohol, and toxins and other causes The positive news is that 90% of brain injuries are preventable -- through avoidance of high risk situations and use of proper gear such as helmets and seatbelts.
BrainTrust Canada, formerly called the Central Okanagan Brain Injury Society, is a progressive community rehabilitation organization dedicated to being a leader in injury prevention, as well as maximizing independence for persons with brain injury.
BrainTrust Canada's services include:
Rehabilitation Services provided by the division COBIS:
Community Rehabilitation
Family and Pediatric Support
Vocational Rehabilitation
Employment Support
Cognitive Prosthetics (strategies to help compensate for challenges
such as memory)
Injury Prevention Services:
Public and Professional Education (kindergarten to post-secondary, as
well as professionals including a major conference in 2008)
Concussion Management (community and ski hills)
Social Marketing (protectyourhead.com injury prevention program
targeted to young males 16 - 24).
Funds raised from the OPUS fundraising are used for enhancing therapeutic group involvement and injury prevention initiatives. For example, group work has included making masks and decorating them to encourage team building and expressing feelings. As well, funds have assisted with prevention services including school presentations, helmet safety programs and the "protectyourhead.com" social marketing program targeted at young males 16-24 years of age.
BrainTrust Canada wants to thank the management and staff of OPUS for their generosity and supporting the serious issue of brain injury in our community.
Opus Customer Service: