Halifax Thunderbirds score big for mental health, raising over $88,000 to transform the QEII's Abbie J. Lane Gymnasium

As the Halifax Thunderbirds close out a record-breaking 2024-2025 National Lacrosse League (NLL) season, their impact is extending far beyond the turf — making history for mental health in Nova Scotia.

HALIFAX, NS, June 18, 2025 /CNW/ - The Halifax Thunderbirds have capped off their most successful season yet with a powerful win off the field — raising an incredible $88,542 for mental health care at the QEII Health Sciences Centre. The team's fundraising efforts throughout the 2024-2025 NLL season have completed funding for the long-awaited transformation of the gymnasium at the QEII's Abbie J. Lane Building — a mental health space critical to the wellness and recovery of patients.

This generous donation to the QEII Foundation — raised through 50/50 draws at every Thunderbirds home game, a jersey raffle and more — will help reimagine the outdated gym into a modern, multi-functional space with new equipment, games and safety features, supporting physical activity as a key pillar of care for mental health patients.

As part of their standout season, which saw them tie a franchise-best 11 victories, finish third overall, and win their first-ever home playoff game in Halifax, the Thunderbirds named the QEII Foundation their charity of choice. In doing so, they rallied fans and brought vital awareness to mental health and addictions services in Nova Scotia.

"For decades, the gymnasium at the Abbie J. Lane Building has been a vital part of patients' healthcare journey," says Matt White, Director of Mental Health and Addictions for Nova Scotia Health's Central Zone. "We are very excited that, as a result of this fundraising, the gym will be a safe and supportive environment for the recovery and wellness of mental health patients for years to come. The positive effects of physical exercise and activity on patients is well documented, and the modernization of this facility will ensure that they will continue to have a dedicated space to reap those benefits. We are thankful for the collaboration with the Halifax Thunderbirds and the QEII Foundation on this campaign and look forward to work getting underway on this transformative project."

With this $88,000 gift, the QEII Foundation has officially reached its $340,500 fundraising goal for the Abbie J. Lane gym enhancement. Thanks to the Halifax Thunderbirds and the support of other likeminded donors, this transformation is fully funded. It's a fitting full-circle moment: as the Thunderbirds close one of the most exciting chapters in their franchise's history, the next chapter begins for mental health patients with these exciting renovations.

The gym serves patients receiving care through the QEII's Abbie J. Lane Building — home to a range of mental health and addictions programs that support both inpatients and outpatients. For those requiring inpatient treatment, who can spend up to 40 days in hospital, this space plays a particularly vital role in their recovery journey. Exercise and recreational therapy are key components of care, with proven benefits for improving mood, reducing anxiety and depression, and enhancing daily functioning. For many patients, this gym is more than a place to move — it's a space where they can engage in exercise and recreational activities, connect with others, and rebuild confidence on their path to recovery.

"The Halifax Thunderbirds are honoured to help improve mental health services in Nova Scotia," says John Catalano, President and CEO of the Halifax Thunderbirds. "Our players, staff and fans embraced this cause because we believe in supporting the health of our community, on and off the floor. We're proud to have played a small role in the success of this important project."

This donation is part of the QEII Foundation's $100-million We Are campaign, aimed at transforming health care at the QEII and across the province. And thanks to the Thunderbirds — and the thousands of fans who joined their mission — that transformation is already underway.

"We're deeply grateful to the Halifax Thunderbirds for their incredible leadership and generosity," says Susan Mullin, President and CEO of the QEII Foundation. "Their efforts have united fans and donors to champion an essential part of mental health care. Thanks to their support, the gym at the Abbie J. Lane Building will soon be renewed and reimagined — giving patients and care teams access to the space, equipment and resources they need during the recovery journey. It's a true assist in transforming care for Nova Scotians."

SOURCE QEII Foundation

For media inquiries, please contact: Nicole Topple, QEII Foundation, Email: [email protected], Phone: [phone]; Maki Jenner, Halifax Thunderbirds, Email: [email protected], Phone: [phone]