Impact Story: The Savoy-Pitfield Family

Chip Pitfield, The Marshall Pitfield Youth Loan Fund

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For the Savoy-Pitfields, giving back is truly a family affair.

Chip Pitfield and his wife, Michelle Savoy, have long been involved in mental health advocacy and building awareness of its related challenges and stigma. With the additional support of sons Keefer, Ward, and Eric, the family has redoubled their efforts in recent years, increasing their volunteerism and establishing Rise’s first-ever named loan fund.

The memory of their son, stepson, and brother, Marshall Pitfield, has fueled the family’s philanthropy. Marshall was a talented chef, happiest when sharing love through food. He also struggled with mental health challenges throughout his adult life. In 2021, Marshall passed away suddenly at the age of 31. To honour his legacy, the Savoy-Pitfield family established the Marshall Pitfield Youth Loan Fund so other passionate young entrepreneurs with mental health and addiction challenges can access the support to pursue their talents and goals.

For Chip, countering the systemic barriers faced by those experiencing mental health and addiction challenges is nothing short of a moral imperative.

“We’re in the dark ages when it comes to our treatment of mental health,” he says. “There is a lot of evidence to demonstrate that with the right help, people can recover and be happier. But we continue to underserve this segment of the population.”

In establishing the fund, the Savoy-Pitfields have recognized the immense need that exists among young entrepreneurs in Canada, for whom access to capital is a major obstacle.

Through the Marshall Pitfield Youth Loan Fund, young people can apply for a loan of up to $10,000. As Rise clients, they also receive access to mentorship and other custom supports that empower them to build a business that suits their needs.

“Mental health or substance use challenges can be a barrier to maintaining a predictable work schedule,” Chip says. “The flexibility that entrepreneurship allows can provide a much-needed alternative.”

Since the fund was established in 2022, it has raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars. In its first year, 21 loans were disbursed, supporting business ventures across the country and many sectors, including construction, beauty, clothing, and more.

“We’re fortunate that we have a big family,” says Chip of the fund’s rapid growth. “Everybody loved Marshall, and everybody wants to be helpful.”

The family’s commitment to Rise continues to deepen: Keefer and his wife, Lindsay, are co-chairs of a new Rise fundraising event set to take place in Spring 2025. Chip is also invested as a volunteer mentor, and he encourages anyone interested in mental health advocacy to get involved.

“We will never, ever, ever have enough people helping in this space,” he says, noting that the experience can be extremely rewarding. “When you get involved with Rise, you can be directly involved in helping someone who is wrestling with a problem, and that is incredibly valuable.”

The Savoy-Pitfield Family was our 2024 Dave Richardson Champion Award recipient.

Visit https://www.risehelps.ca/the-marshall-pitfield-youth-loan-fund/ to learn more about the Marshall Pitfield Youth Loan Fund.