In a crucial step toward combating eating disorders among youth, The Harbour, a new treatment clinic, has officially opened its doors at Western’s Research Park. The facility aims to provide a much-needed space for young people struggling with conditions such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder.

The Harbour recently held a benefit concert on Oct. 23, raising $20,000 through donations, a 50/50 draw, and a silent auction. Along with the $60,000 gathered from sponsorships, the center is well toward a year-end fundraising goal of $250,000. Dr. Robbie Campbell, the driving force behind the project, expressed appreciation for the support but noted that sustainable funding remains critical, as annual operational costs are estimated at $500,000.

“We’re grateful for the incredible support from the concert and our sponsors, but we need bigger donors to make this sustainable,” Dr. Campbell said. “Our goal is to raise at least 50 per cent of the budget from the public, with hopes that Fanshawe, Western, and government bodies will help us top up the remainder.”

To increase outreach, Campbell would like to plan events at Western University and Fanshawe College in the coming months, creating opportunities for community engagement and encouraging potential donors to support the center’s mission. Campbell emphasized the importance of student health, especially considering partnerships with Fanshawe’s Student Health Services and Wellness Centre, where students can receive referrals to The Harbour.

“We want to work closely with Fanshawe and Western, particularly their student health services,” he said. “Our team, including Dr. LK Fisher from Fanshawe’s Fowler Kennedy Clinic, has been instrumental in setting up referrals and creating pathways for students needing our services.”

The Harbour’s approach to care involves individualized treatment plans that meet each client’s specific needs. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach, the center’s treatment model includes dietitians, psychologists, recreational therapists, social workers, and primary care doctors. This comprehensive setup ensures that clients with co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism, receive balanced support.

“We’re taking things slowly to ensure each individual gets the right care,” Campbell said. “Other mental health issues often accompany eating disorders, so we provide a full team, from family doctors to dietitians and mental health professionals, to create a balanced, integrated care plan.”

Already, The Harbour is treating some of the more severe eating disorder cases in the region. Among the initial clients are young people with body mass indexes between 15 and 16, cases that other facilities often can’t accommodate due to resource constraints. Through The Harbour’s personalized model, these clients receive regular medical monitoring, including electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrolyte checks, to stabilize their health.

As the clinic grows, securing sustainable funding remains a priority. Campbell hopes that Fanshawe, Western University, and government initiatives will help cover operational costs, but immediate needs are met mainly through community donations.

“We’re looking to raise $500,000 annually to keep the clinic running at full capacity,” he said. “We encourage community members to consider contributing to The Harbour through the Eating Disorder Foundation of Canada website, where every dollar makes a difference.”

Donations can be made through the Eating Disorder Foundation of Canada (EDFC) website for those interested in supporting The Harbour’s mission, with tax receipts available for contributions over $20. Community support allows The Harbour to continue offering critical services to youth struggling with eating disorders, which, though life-threatening, are treatable with appropriate care.

“Even a small donation can have a huge impact,” Campbell said. “With community support, we can expand and ensure every student struggling with an eating disorder has access to the care they deserve.”

With continued public and institutional support, Campbell hopes that The Harbour will become a lifeline for young people and a model for similar programs across Canada. For more information on The Harbour and how to support its mission, visit the EDFC website at edfc.ca.