In any given year, one in five Canadians experiences a mental illness. That’s why the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is shining a spotlight on the Lower Mainland to help those in need of support.
CMHA Vancouver – Fraser and CMHA North and West Vancouver are teaming up for Shine Bright, a collaborative fall fundraising campaign to inspire people to act and donate to help those in their community.
The nationwide organization told Daily Hive that mental health can affect everyone, including our friends, family, colleagues, and ourselves. And the darker months of the year can be extra challenging.
“Mental health challenges may not be visible to others but can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life,” said Ruby Ng, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Mental Health Association, Vancouver-Fraser Branch. “The fall and winter season can be particularly difficult and a time when support is needed that much more.
“Join us in fostering strength and resilience in our community by supporting programs to illuminate a path to recovery for friends, family, colleagues and neighbours, so they feel they are never alone on their journey.”
The Shine Bright campaign launched on November 3 to coincide with the day daylight savings ended and runs until the end of the month.
CMHA explained that it will highlight how everyone struggles mentally in their own way with the time change at this time of year. For some, however, the darkness becomes prevalent and seems impossible to manage in their lives.
“We are asking people to “be the light in someone’s darkness” by donating to their local CMHA branch so we can provide essential programs and services to the people who need it most. Every Vancouverite deserves to Shine Bright.”
Donations to CMHA will help ensure that every member of the community has access to important programs and services that the oldest national mental health charity delivers.
CMHA divisions and branches in more than 135 communities across Canada help over 100,000 people experiencing mental health challenges each year. For more information, visit cmhavan.ca.