Vancouver-based The Kelty Foundation is helping children build emotional resilience before life gets overwhelming. Through its Kind Mind Program, the foundation partners with elementary schools across British Columbia to start meaningful conversations about mental health between children, caregivers, and educators. Designed by child psychologists, counsellors, and teachers, the program takes an upstream approach—offering kids practical tools, community resources, and a sense of belonging long before the teenage years. Since launching in 2025, Kind Mind has reached thousands of students, with demand continuing to grow. Grounded in compassion, prevention, and education, The Kelty Foundation is shaping a future where mental health support begins early, openly, and together.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
I oversee the implementation of the Kind Mind Program in elementary schools, including program design and development, coordinating with school principals and counsellors, collaborating with community partners, and managing data collection and evaluation. As part of a small team, I also contribute to marketing and communications, event planning, volunteer coordination, and other day-to-day tasks. The role involves meetings, problem-solving, organization, communication, and continuous learning to ensure the program effectively supports students, caregivers and schools across BC.
What problem does it aim to solve?
The Kind Mind Program aims to start conversations between children and caregivers using an ‘upstream approach’ before the trickier teenage years. It also highlights the incredible mental health resources available in our community, reduces stigma, builds resilience, fosters a sense of belonging in schools, and raises awareness for caregivers, children, and school communities. The program was developed by a talented team of child psychologists, school counsellors, teachers, and educators. It is designed as a one-month program with weekly challenges, videos, resources, prizes and a celebration at the end!
When did you start/join it?
I first started volunteering over 20 years ago, when I was neighbours with Kelty and Riley and their parents, Kerry and Ginny Dennehy. I reconnected with the foundation in 2024, which led to my current role as Program Director.
What made you want to get involved?
My personal connection to the foundation’s history was a strong motivator, but I was also motivated by my own experiences with mental health in my youth, when I didn’t have the coping strategies I needed to navigate difficult times. The Kind Mind Program teaches children healthy ways to manage their ‘emotion storms,’ and it’s incredibly empowering to be part of something I know would have helped me as a child. In today’s world, with technology and the unique pressures kids face, supporting mental health is more important than ever. The foundation’s work makes a difference, and being part of it is incredibly meaningful.
What was the situation like when you started?
We launched the Kind Mind Program in January 2025. With few free mental health programs available for children aged 5 to 12, elementary schools were eager to participate, and the response was incredible. In the first six months, we reached nearly 5100 students.
How has it changed since?
To date, we’ve reached just under 18,000 students, with a waitlist already building for the 2026–27 school year and thousands more scheduled for 2025–26. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear from parents, students, and educators that the program provides valuable tools and resources to support children and families. The program continues to evolve as we learn from each school and classroom, ensuring it meets the needs of children, caregivers, and educators alike.
What more needs to be done?
There are still so many schools across BC, and even across Canada, that we would love to reach. Demand continues to exceed our capacity, and expanding the program requires additional resources, training, and staffing. We can’t do it without the generosity of donors and partners who believe in the importance of supporting mental health from an early age. By investing in programs like Kind Mind, we can ensure more children and families have the tools and support they need to thrive.
How can our readers help?
You can support the Kind Mind Program by donating, volunteering, or staying connected. Just $25 covers one student, providing them with tools and resources to navigate their emotions and build resilience. To get involved or learn more, visit our website.
Do you have any events coming up?
Our annual fundraiser takes place in November, along with community events leading up to it. Dates will be announced soon, and we’d love for you to join our newsletter to be the first to know and stay connected. Visit our website to sign up (scroll down to the bottom to enter your email).
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Hayley Matches
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
Stigma-Free Mental Health Society
