Sales rep volunteers countless hours for Schizophrenia Society

Rick David

For 16 years, Rick David, a sales rep with Sutton Group – About Town Realty in Burlington, Ont. has committed many volunteer hours to the Schizophrenia Society. In 1993, David’s son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. “When my son was diagnosed with the condition, all of a sudden, our family had to be aware of this brain disease that can be debilitating if an attack is severe,” he says.

The Schizophrenia Society’s objective is to improve the lives of people affected by the disease.  One of its main initiatives is the Justice and Mental Health Program. The program’s objective is to help those with the disease who have come into contact with the law, by diverting them from the court system and ensuring they receive the appropriate mental health treatment.  In addition, they provide support to their families to cope at every stage of the justice process.

David first became a member at the local chapter for the society in Burlington. He organized and ran a support group for family members of those who have schizophrenia. Later he became president of the local chapter. In 2003 he became a member on the provincial board, the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario, and since 2007 he has served as chairman and president.