Meet our Donors
Jeff and Shelley Parr are the catalysts to helping launch this unique centre dedicated to providing collaborative and innovative approaches to proactive student mental health and well-being.
"Mental health challenges have touched our family and our friends’ families. In all instances, they could have been assisted and treated sooner if they’d had the proper supports, and learned the proper coping mechanisms,” said Jeff.
The Parr Centre for Thriving creates greater awareness and provides more support to Western students than ever before – focusing on programs, education, and strategic initiatives to help students thrive academically and personally.
It also distributes funding to develop innovative mental health initiatives in partnership with units across the university that work closely with students.
The Centre supports mental health initiatives specifically for first-year undergraduate students, who may face higher stress as they enter a new stage of life. Western alumnus Jeff, BA’82, said this work is exactly what he and his wife, Shelley, envisioned for their gift.
By taking a unique approach to holistic student well-being, the Parrs hope to see Western become a leader in the university sector – across Canada and around the world.
Continuing to inspire others by raising the profile of the challenge and the need for solid response remains the most important factor to the Parrs.
“Any time you can touch someone where there’s a connection or passion, it ignites people,” said Jeff. “We’d love to be just the initial edge of the wedge, and have people follow us in supporting this area to help make Western a leader in student mental health.”
A Gift That Keeps on Giving
Clairvest, a private equity management firm where Jeff is vice-chairman and managing director, have also donated to the Parr Centre for Thriving.
“What Jeff and Shelley have done here is admirable,” said Ken Rotman, Clairvest CEO. “They are an example to all of us of what we can, and should, be doing on whatever scale possible relative to our own means, to support our community.”
