Calgary charity founder forging new path into retirement

A stock anti-bullying photo. (Unsplash/Road Ahead)

2026 signalled big changes for anti-bullying expert Tad Milmine.

Taking stock of his life, Milmine decided to retire from and close the charity he founded.

Inspiration struck in late October 2011 when Milmine read Jamie Hubley’s story.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

The young man had been relentlessly bullied for years, to the point where he struggled with mental illness and took his own life.

Hubley’s struggle and subsequent suicide ignited a fire inside Milmine to start Bullying Ends Here.

“I too had many issues with bullying all through school and I think Hubley’s story had many similarities to mine, which was the trigger to want to do something,” he said.

Enter Bullying Ends Here, which officially became a charity in March 2012.

Throughout the years, there have been countless times where he has been struck by a message he’s received.

“I must confess that it was comments from students and teachers that really continued to help the fire burn within to continue at that pace I was going, with a full-time job and working every moment possible on the charity,” he said.

The positive impact he has had is evident based on a litany of feedback over the years, but the fight for funds and the all-consuming work involved in running a charity eventually wore him down.

He says closing the charity helps reduce costs and red tape but still keeps the program itself alive.

“I’ll continue to do presentations from time-to-time, but more on my schedule, and when I’m ready to get back to it,” he said.

“I would also like to start speaking more about mental health, in particular when it comes to complex post-traumatic stress disorder which I struggle with.”

The closure means you will no longer be able to donate to the charity, and he will be offering fewer in-person presentations.

However, he says the Bullying Ends Here website and his books are accessible any time people need them.

“I worked extra hard over the last few years knowing this day would come and wanted to make sure there is a lasting legacy present,” he said.

“I would also suggest the Kids Help Phone support lines, website and texting services, which are amazing.”