BrainTrust Canada

BrainTrust Canada BrainTrust is a non-profit organization dedicated to brain injury prevention, education, & support.

From humble beginnings, BrainTrust Canada began as a small group of people who recognized a need for greater support and resources for those affected by brain injury. The initial group included individuals and loved ones of those living with brain injury, stakeholders with care homes, an occupational therapist, and a personal injury lawyer. Over time the Society grew and evolved, changing its name

several times before finally becoming BrainTrust Canada Association. BrainTrust Canada focuses on reducing preventable brain injury and providing support services for those affected by brain injury. We also offer education designed to inform others of the prevalence, nature, and impact of brain injury.

As part of our 40th anniversary campaign, we are recognizing the individuals who helped shape the foundation of BrainTru...
06/05/2026

As part of our 40th anniversary campaign, we are recognizing the individuals who helped shape the foundation of BrainTrust Canada and believed in the importance of long-term, community-based support for individuals living with brain injury.

At a time when brain injury was often overlooked beyond acute care, a small group of community members, advocates, and professionals recognized that many individuals were continuing to struggle long after leaving the hospital. They understood that recovery did not end at discharge, and that meaningful support within the community was essential.

What began as a volunteer-driven initiative around a kitchen table would grow into what is now BrainTrust Canada.

For 40 years, Pushor Mitchell LLP and Paul Mitchell helped support that vision through leadership, advocacy, sponsorship, and ongoing commitment to the organization’s growth and sustainability.

“What has always distinguished BrainTrust is that it was built by community—people who understood that individuals living with brain injury deserve dignity, understanding, and meaningful long-term support. That mission remains as important today as ever.” – Paul Mitchell, K.C, Pushor Mitchell Lawyers LLP

As we reflect on 40 years of impact, we are grateful for the individuals who helped build the foundation we continue to grow from today.

What’s happening at BrainTrust this June 🧠 This month’s calendar is filled with opportunities for connection, support, l...
06/02/2026

What’s happening at BrainTrust this June 🧠

This month’s calendar is filled with opportunities for connection, support, learning, and community.

From peer support and cognitive groups to life skills programming and social activities, our groups are designed to help individuals living with brain injury build confidence, connection, and routine in a supportive environment.

Take a look at what’s coming up this month and find a group that feels right for you or someone you care about.

We’re proud to continue creating spaces where individuals feel supported, understood, and connected. 🗓️

June is Brain Injury Awareness Month 💙This month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the realities of brain injur...
06/01/2026

June is Brain Injury Awareness Month 💙

This month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the realities of brain injury, recognize the resilience of survivors, support caregivers and families, and continue important conversations around prevention, recovery, and access to care.

In British Columbia, June 2026 has officially been proclaimed Brain Injury Awareness Month in recognition of the profound and often lifelong impacts brain injury can have on individuals, families, and communities.

At BrainTrust Canada, we know that recovery does not end at discharge. Every day, we see the importance of long-term, community-based support in helping individuals rebuild confidence, connection, independence, and quality of life.
As we also celebrate 40 years of impact this year, we remain committed to education, advocacy, prevention, and walking alongside the individuals and families we support.

This June, we invite our community to help raise awareness, share conversations around brain injury, and support the work that continues to make a difference across our communities.

If you would like to be part of that impact, consider making a donation to support brain injury services, programs, and education in our region.
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/36278

As we recognize the start of GoByBike Week, it’s a good reminder that helmets are one of the simplest and most effective...
05/30/2026

As we recognize the start of GoByBike Week, it’s a good reminder that helmets are one of the simplest and most effective tools for helping reduce the risk of brain injury. 🚴🏼‍♀️

Many people don’t realize that most cycling crashes involve angled impacts, which can create rotational forces on the brain. Technologies like MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) were developed to help address this type of impact.

While no helmet can prevent all injuries, wearing a properly fitted helmet is an important step in protecting your brain and supporting safer riding.

Brain injury prevention starts with awareness, education, and safety.

Brain Injury Wasn’t Always Seen as Long-TermThere was a time when brain injury was treated as something you recovered fr...
05/21/2026

Brain Injury Wasn’t Always Seen as Long-Term
There was a time when brain injury was treated as something you recovered from and moved on from. Once someone left the hospital, the expectation was that life would return to normal.

But for many, that’s when the real challenges began. Memory loss, emotional changes, fatigue, and difficulty managing everyday life often followed, without the right supports in place. Over time, that understanding shifted. We now know the brain can adapt and rewire with the right structure, repetition, and support.

Recovery doesn’t end at discharge. That’s where it continues. This is the gap BrainTrust Canada was built to fill.

Through consistent support, we’ve seen individuals rebuild independence, return to work, and reconnect with their communities. One individual we supported is now working part-time, travelling, and giving back by mentoring others in their recovery journey. This is what the right support makes possible.

As we mark 40 years, we’re continuing this work, ensuring no one has to navigate life after brain injury alone.

If you’d like to support this impact, consider making a donation. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/36278

Sleep is one of the most important, and often overlooked, parts of brain health.While you rest, your brain is actively w...
05/19/2026

Sleep is one of the most important, and often overlooked, parts of brain health.
While you rest, your brain is actively working. It’s clearing waste, repairing itself, and processing information from the day. These processes are essential for memory, focus, and emotional regulation.

When sleep is disrupted, it can affect how you think, feel, and function day to day.
Taking care of your brain doesn’t always start with something big. Sometimes, it starts with getting the rest you need.

With Victoria Day coming up tomorrow, our office will be closed on May 18th, 2026. Take this as a day to slow down, rese...
05/17/2026

With Victoria Day coming up tomorrow, our office will be closed on May 18th, 2026.

Take this as a day to slow down, reset, and enjoy the extra time - whether that means getting outside, spending time with loved ones, or simply catching up on rest.

✨ A long weekend is also a great chance to check in with your routine and recharge.

💬 What are your plans for the long weekend?

Some of the strongest examples of our impact come from individuals who have been with us for years, attending groups, bu...
05/15/2026

Some of the strongest examples of our impact come from individuals who have been with us for years, attending groups, building connections, and continuing to grow alongside us.

Whether through peer support, cognitive groups, life skills programming, counselling, or simply having a place where they feel understood, long-standing clients remind us why this work matters.

Recovery is not always linear, and it doesn’t happen overnight. Having consistent support, familiar faces, and a community that understands the realities of brain injury can make all the difference.

As we mark 40 years, we are honoured to continue walking alongside the people we support, not just for a moment, but for the long term. Their stories, resilience, and trust are part of the foundation of who we are.

“I’ve been coming for 15 years. I appreciate having a safe place to learn about my injury and connect with others who understand where I’m coming from. I appreciate all the support I’ve received, both in and outside of the office.” — Rhonda P.

“I’ve been with BrainTrust Canada for 30 years attending groups. I’ve seen them come and go. I get more from groups the more I come. I enjoy the social aspect and meeting lots of new people.” — Paul J.

Thank you to every client who has allowed us to be part of your journey. Your strength continues to shape the work we do every day.

As we celebrate 40 years, you can be part of this impact. Consider making a donation to help ensure this support continues for years to come.
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/36278

05/13/2026

Too many individuals living with brain injury are unable to access the supports they need.

In this recent radio interview, Executive Director, Amanda McFarlane, discusses the limitations of current systems, and how people are often left without care because they don’t fit within existing criteria. The interview highlights a proposed private members bill that could improve access to appropriate assessment and support.

Listen in.

As BrainTrust Canada celebrates 40 years, we are recognizing the individuals who helped shape the organization from its ...
05/11/2026

As BrainTrust Canada celebrates 40 years, we are recognizing the individuals who helped shape the organization from its earliest days.

Today, we are honoured to share reflections from Doug Rankmore, BrainTrust’s first CEO.

“ When I started with BrainTrust in 1991 little was known regarding the best supports to help people with ABI live their best lives. I was the first paid employee and was charged with establishing the organization as a viable entity to support people with brain injury for the long term. We had no budget and no dedicated program in government to seek resources.

With persistent advocacy, more people began to understand the challenge of brain injury and help garner support for BrainTrust. Through perseverance we built a strong agency with a highly professional team of clinicians. We became the largest brain injury community rehabilitation organization in the country and established the Okanagan Conference on Brain Injury as a leading training ground in ABI.

I can’t say enough about the staff who helped develop the programs and training standards. Through innovation, practice standards, clinical observations and data collection, they created care pathways that remain highly effective today.

It was rewarding work, but also tough going. No funding entity wanted to take ABI on. We scraped together funding every year through grants, contracts, fees and fundraising.

I feel brain injury remains one of the greatest failures of our health and social systems. We see it everywhere, in prisons, long term care, health care and disability systems, but often fail to recognize the cognitive deficits that drive poor outcomes.

I applaud those who continue to advocate for people living with brain injury. The system we have now is not just inadequate, it is unjust. ”

Doug’s leadership and advocacy helped establish BrainTrust as a lasting and impactful organization, and his words remain just as relevant today.

Address

100-215 Lawrence Avenue
Kelowna, BC
V1Y6L2

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+12507623233

Website

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