The Hayg Cuhaci Memorial Fund was established by Sylvia and Ed Cuhaci in fond memory of their beloved son to inspire support for mental health and related charities in the community. Hayg Cuhaci passed away in September 1990 at the age of 29 during a mental health crisis that tragically led to a fatal encounter. Following this, the family took part in an inquest that called for improved training for police who engage with people facing similar challenges.
Since 2007, the fund has granted to Upstream Ottawa Mental Health Community Support, an organization with roots connected to the Ottawa Community Foundation. The OCF was one of the original supporters of a fledgling “Project” Upstream in the mid-80s. Sylvia Cuhaci has served as a former Chair, longtime Board Member, and fundraiser for Upstream Ottawa.