Jeffrey Katz: Championing Suicide Prevention Research

Imagine someone asking you, “What would be your one wish?”. That was the question Jeffrey Katz posed in one of our first conversations. He wasn’t kidding. Unlike most people, Jeffrey was in a position of making meaningful wishes come true.

Jeffrey Katz, President and Chairman of the Board of the Charles, Evelyn, and Sandra Dolansky Foundation, supporting innovation in mental health and suicide prevention strategies.

Jeffrey has spent his career as a top-tier financial consultant, while devoting his personal time to non-profit organizations like B’nai Brith Youth Organization, B’nai Brith Canada, the Just for Kids Foundation – where he served as Founding Treasurer – and the Ottawa, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada Regional Board of Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University. He is also President & Chairman of the Board of the Charles, Evelyn, and Sandra Dolansky Foundation, for which he received the Builder of Hope award for his unwavering dedication to advancing mental health research. Under his guidance, the Foundation has played a key role in supporting the Douglas Research Centre through generous contributions, fostering innovation in mental health treatment and suicide prevention strategies.

His role with the Foundation includes vetting worthwhile organizations that are involved in mental health and helping the vulnerable. That was how he was introduced to Lifeline through Eddy and Helena Wiltzer. Jeffrey was impressed by the testimonials Lifeline received from people we’ve helped, and by the warm and inviting atmosphere of our Centre. After careful evaluation, Jeffrey determined we shared a common vision with his Foundation and were a good fit. 

I quickly learned Jeffrey’s interest in his community went much deeper than simply ‘Okaying’ donations on behalf of the Foundation. These causes were close to his heart, to the point where he took it personally when someone fell through the cracks. I remember getting a call from Jeffrey while he was at an airport between flights. He was travelling, but had just heard the news about a young boy who had overdosed. His first instinct was to call me to discuss this growing youth crisis. We must have talked for an hour about addiction, loss, suicide, treatments, resources, etc. – me sitting in my office, he standing at an airport gate. I remember hearing flight announcements in the background as I listened to him propose various plans of action, absolutely determined to do whatever it took to keep from losing more young people. 

That’s Jeffrey. He doesn’t accept inaction when there are people at risk. His commitment to Lifeline resulted in a Matching Campaign that has doubled our pledges and expanded the resources we’re now able to provide. He’s made a tremendous impact on our community, making him a true titan when it comes to raising funds for services to help at-risk youth. 

So what was my one wish? I replied that Lifeline’s biggest need was covering our staff’s salaries. The professional help they provide is our most valuable resource and our biggest expense. Funding them allows us to help as many people as possible. 

Thanks to Jeffrey's support, the Foundation significantly increased its pledge to Lifeline, giving us the funds to increase and improve our staffing, thus increasing crucial resources for those who need them most. He made my wish come true and, by extension, made it easier for people in crisis to access our services. He was invited to join our Executive Committee, and continues to play a pivotal role in significantly expanding Lifeline’s resources. 

Jeffrey’s ongoing work for Lifeline has made him a valued member of our Executive Committee, and has given me the privilege of getting to know him personally. Lifeline is blessed to have his wisdom and compassion in helping us expand our services. I’m blessed to call him a friend and mentor.