Ms. St-Denis, first, I would say that $1 million is indeed a lot of money. To date, we have raised a total of more than $1.6 million for the foundation.
The health care system's response has been good. From the beginning, we sat down with its representatives to explain that we would be an extra player and not a substitute. So far, the response has been a positive one.
We are making sure that the projects we support are additional or complementary. We could be talking about pilot projects to innovate and improve the quality of life for those affected, or improve their environment. When selecting projects, we make sure not to be a substitute for what the state or governments were doing or should be doing. That is part of our method and one of our priorities.
You are right; our objective and priority are to educate the public and encourage their involvement. For instance, we have been organizing annual fundraisers over the past three or four years. Each year, 400 to 500 people buy a ticket and participate in our fundraising event, and we give them books on the topic to inform them and teach them things they can discuss with their children. As Ms. Moore mentioned earlier, we had four children's books translated. So children talk to their parents about it. I think children can often help us change habits.
In addition, guests of honour participate in our activities. Last year, Luc Vigneault was our honorary patron, and he gave a speech. He is a well-known name in these circles. He has schizophrenia, but he is doing well. He gives speeches and works in the community. I think those kinds of interventions open things up when it comes to discussing the disease, raising awareness, improving the situation, demystifying things and making people see that it's just a disease like any other and should be talked about.
The Bradley family agreed to lend its name to the foundation we are in charge of. That's one example. They are very well-known people, community leaders. They agreed to talk about it and have attended every year. They visit organizations that carry out projects we fund. That accessibility helps us get closer to those who are affected. It breaks down prejudice and helps advance the cause.