Senators forward Nick Paul launches 'Points by Paul' for youth mental health
Ottawa Senator Nick Paul is teaming up with local charities in a campaign to support youth mental health.
The Sens forward is raising awareness for youth mental health with ‘Points by Paul’. For Paul, it’s an important initiative with personal ties.
“When I was in high school one of my buddies we’re going about everyday joking seemed normal then the next day he didn’t come in,” Paul said. “I thought he was sick, then the next day he didn’t come in. And then the news came out that he ended up taking his life,” says Paul.
“It’s something that affected me and stuck with me and I knew through hockey the more I climbed up the ranks … I wanted to do something about it. I wanted to be a voice and wanted to spread awareness.”
For each point Paul scores during the season, he will donate $150 to the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health and support a cause that is close to his heart.
The Senators Community Foundation will match each of his donations.
Royal Ottawa Foundation president Chris Ide, says the money raised will support urgent and critical care, research and recovery.
“We are so grateful for Nick’s leadership both on and off the ice,” says Ide. “Right now, one in four Canadians is struggling with a mental health issue. Nick’s vision and generosity help our experts at The Royal provide additional support so more people can access world-class mental healthcare, recover faster and live a life filled with possibility.”
Paul is also a board member with the Royal Foundation, engaging with youth and sharing his struggle about what it was like to climb to the top of his profession.
“Going up, down you know doubting myself not thinking I’m good enough, having those thoughts, working through it,” says Paul, who also advocates the importance of reaching out and speaking out.
“You’re not weak trying to express and show your feelings. That’s actually strong—you’re more powerful now and you feel better.”
So far, Paul has tallied nine points (six goals, three assists) through 34 games this season, a $2,700 commitment.
Anyone can sign up to pledge per point, or make a one-time donation.
But the point, said Paul, is to start a conversation.
“If you can’t donate, being open, being receptive, learning about mental health and being there for people is definitely doing the same part.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Mariupol fighters in Russian hands; both sides claim wins
Hundreds of Ukrainian fighters, including wounded men carried out on stretchers, left the vast steel plant in Mariupol where they mounted a dogged last stand and turned themselves over to Russian hands, signalling the beginning of the end of a siege that became a symbol of Ukraine's resistance to Moscow's invasion.

Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner carjacked at gunpoint outside Toronto movie theatre
Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner was the victim of an armed carjacking outside a movie theatre in Etobicoke on Monday night, the club confirmed on Tuesday.
Warrant issued for suspect in crash that killed Calgary mother of 5
Calgary police said in a statement issued Monday they have identified a suspect wanted in an incident that resulted in the death of a Calgary mother of five.
Prince Charles and Camilla kick off three-day Canadian tour, PM says reconciliation will be part of visit
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says reconciliation will form part of the discussions Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, engage in during their visit to Canada. Trudeau is in Newfoundland and Labrador today where he will join Gov. Gen. Mary Simon in welcoming the royal couple to Canada for a three-day visit.
Trudeau says inviting Iran to Vancouver soccer friendly is not 'a very good idea'
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says a soccer friendly between Canada and Iran next month in Vancouver is ill-advised. The merits of hosting Iran were raised by a reporter, citing families who had lost loved ones on Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752.
Queen makes surprise appearance to mark new London subway line
Queen Elizabeth II made a surprise visit Tuesday to a train station in central London to see a newly completed subway line named in her honour. The 96-year-old monarch, who has reduced most of her public engagements, appeared Tuesday at Paddington Station.
NY teen found dead after 13 years; SC sex offender charged
The body of 17-year-old Brittanee Drexel, who disappeared while visiting South Carolina's Myrtle Beach on spring break 13 years ago, has been found and a sex offender has been charged with murder, kidnapping and rape, authorities said Monday.
Top 6 moments from the 2022 Ontario election debate
Ontario’s four main party leaders were relatively civil as they sparred at Monday night’s televised election debate in Toronto.
Confusion over RCMP leadership roles marked early investigation of N.S. mass shooting
When a man disguised as a Mountie started killing people in northern Nova Scotia two years ago, there was considerable confusion over who was in charge of the RCMP operation, newly released documents show.