Leading Canadian corporations, media and sports teams step up to join the conversation in support of Canadian mental health

• Competitors and partners lend their support to the Bell Let's Talk anti-stigma campaign
  
• To learn more about Bell Let's Talk Day on February 8, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk

MONTREAL, Jan. 24, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell today applauded corporate Canada for joining the conversation about Canadian mental health as media, sports and communications companies alike come together to support the 2012 Bell Let's Talk campaign. Highlighted by Bell Let's Talk Day on February 8, the campaign invites all Canadians to talk about mental illness in order to fight the stigma around this pervasive yet misunderstood national health concern.

"The Bell Let's Talk team sincerely thanks the range of companies that have stepped up to make a real difference in mental health," said Clara Hughes, Canadian Olympian and national spokesperson for Bell Let's Talk. "Competitors joining together to build understanding and drive action in Canadian mental health sends an incredibly positive message to all those struggling with mental illness: Everyone is invited to join the conversation about mental health!"

Bell Let's Talk 2012 is supported by a major national promotional and education campaign, including generous assistance from:

• Astral Media
• Bell Media / CTV
• CBC / SRC
• Canadian Olympic Committee
• Globe and Mail
• Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment
• Montréal Canadiens
• National Hockey League
• National Post / Postmedia Network
• Ottawa Senators
• Rogers Communications
• Vancouver Whitecaps FC
• And 160 other Canadian companies that participated in the annual Bell Event in support of mental health, which raised $1.2 million in new funding.

These organizations are offering a range of platforms for the Bell Let's Talk message, including newspaper, radio, TV, out-of-home and online advertising, rink boards at major sports arenas, promotional events, and editorial coverage dedicated to the discussion and advancement of mental health.

The campaign culminates on Bell Let's Talk Day this February 8. For every text message sent and every long distance call made by Bell and Bell Aliant customers that day, Bell will donate another 5 cents to programs dedicated to mental health (regular long distance and text charges apply). Last year's Bell Let's Talk Day raised $3,303,961.80 in new funding.

The Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative is a five-year, $50-million charitable program based on four action pillars: Anti-stigma, care and access, research, and workplace best practices. With Bell Let's Talk Day as its anti-stigma centrepiece, Bell's initiative is providing significant funding for leading mental health hospitals and grassroots organizations, driving new workplace initiatives across corporate Canada, and supporting new research - including a world-first research announcement planned for February.

About Bell
Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers and business with solutions to all their communications needs: Bell Mobility wireless, high-speed Bell Internet, Bell Satellite TV and Bell Fibe TV, Bell Home Phone local and long distance, and Bell Business Markets IP-broadband and information and communications technology (ICT) services. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital media, including CTV, Canada's #1 television network, and the country's most-watched specialty channels. Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE). For Bell products and services, please visit Bell.ca. For BCE corporate information, please visit BCE.ca.

Jacqueline Michelis
Bell Media Relations
1 855 785-1427
[email protected]
@Bell_News