The Windeler family founded Jack.org after losing their son, Jack, to suicide in his first year of university. The young people who were around Jack shared that, during his time on campus, Jack exhibited signs he was struggling with his mental health. Unfortunately, those around him lacked the education and skills to recognize the warning signs and to ensure he got the support he needed.
The Winderler family saw that young people are often in the best position to notice when a peer is struggling, and set their sights on empowering youth with education and resources to make sure young people can support one another. The Jack Project was created in 2011, first in partnership with Kids Help Phone and then Queen's University.
Still, Co-Founder Eric envisioned something bigger to take on the growing youth mental health crisis and spare families from enduring a similar tragedy. Together with Co-Founder Sandra Hanington, their children, and their closest friends, the initiative grew into the national charity Jack.org, which officially launched in July 2013.
Since its inception, Jack.org has worked alongside young leaders to address the most pressing mental health challenges young people face. The founding family’s profound commitment to ensuring that youth get the support they need is an unwavering source of inspiration. We are grateful to have the Winderlers’ ongoing support as we work to honour their legacy by forging meaningful change in the youth mental health space.
Join us in empowering their vision by donating or getting involved in our programs