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News: Prime Time Charity Challenge 2020 raises $107,100

February 12, 2020 Update: The total amount raised in support of our mental health projects and initiatives rose to an incredible $107,100 thanks to pledges from Original Pictures, Douglas Barrett, Cameron Films, and Morneau Sheppell! We are very grateful for your support.

February 3, 2020: We are thrilled to announce that the Prime Time Charity Challenge 2020 raised an amazing $101,000 in support of The AFC’s mental health initiatives.

The challenge took place during the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) annual Prime Time conference in Ottawa from January 29-31. CMPA’s leadership kicked off the Challenge by announcing their contribution of $25,000 and invited all delegates, industry members and supporters to rise to the challenge.

At the conference, the CMPA’s Chief Operating Officer Liz Shorten emphasized the vital need for mental health services for the media content creation industry and the importance of the Charity Challenge: “This is such a worthy cause – The AFC exists to protect our industry’s greatest assets: our people. The need for mental health support services in our industry is tremendous, and it’s crucial that we back The AFC as they spearhead this work. I urge you to contribute what you can.”

The Directors Guild of Canada and IATSE International and Canadian IATSE Locals joined CMPA in the Challenge, each with a matching contribution of $25,000. NABET 700-M UNIFOR followed suit with a donation of $15,000.

We would like to thank Eagle Vision, Film Finances Canada Ltd., The Skystone Foundation, Neshama Entertainment, Shaftesbury, and Scythia Films for their generous contributions to the Prime Time Charity Challenge 2020.

The Canadian Media Producers Association is Canada’s trade association for independent producers. It represents hundreds of companies engaged in the development, production and distribution of English-language content for TV, feature film and digital media channels.

The AFC is the lifeline for Canada’s entertainment industry. Through compassionate and confidential support, we help Canadian entertainment professionals maintain their health, dignity and ability to work.

In the last 24 months, The AFC has supported entertainment professionals working in all aspects of film & TV, music, theatre, and dance with over $1.4 million in emergency financial aid. We also provide crucial assistance to industry workers in the areas of personal support and advocacy and financial wellness.