Media Advisory - Her Excellency Sharon Johnston to Attend Champions of Mental Health Awards Gala

OTTAWA, April 29, 2016 /CNW/ - As part of Mental Health Week (May 2 to 8), Her Excellency Sharon Johnston will attend the 14^th Champions of Mental Health Awards Gala. The event will take place on Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at 5:30 p.m., at the Shaw Centre (Trillium Ballroom), in Ottawa.

During the gala dinner, Her Excellency will present the Sharon Johnston Champion of Mental Health Award for Youth to the Bishop Ryan's Celtic Circle Student Leadership Club. The group comprises students from Hannon, Ontario, who are in grades 9 to 12 and who are dedicated to raising awareness of mental illness. For the past three years, these students have focused on reducing the stigma around mental illness and promoting the importance of an inclusive community. Members of the club will be on hand to accept the award.

The Sharon Johnston Champion of Mental Health Award for Youth is presented to any Canadian who is 21 years old or younger and who has shown leadership in his or her community by promoting mental health or mental illness awareness. The award may also be given to an organization dedicated to providing services for youth. This is the inaugural presentation of the award, which was renamed last year in honour of Her Excellency's work in supporting and helping Canadians living with mental illness.

About the Champions of Mental Health Awards
The annual Champions of Mental Health Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose outstanding contributions have advanced the mental health agenda in Canada. Organized by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH), this event brings together decision makers, business leaders, national media members, sponsors and other stakeholders. For more information on the 2016 award recipients, visit www.camimh.ca.

Photo opportunity with Her Excellency and the 2016 Champions of Mental Health
at 6:00 p.m. in the Trillium Ballroom.

Media wishing to cover the event must confirm their attendance with Impact Public Affairs.

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SOURCE Governor General of Canada

Media information: Emily Keogh, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-993-2569, [email protected]; Charlotte Webber, Impact Public Affairs, 613-233-8906, 613-316-1104 (cell), [email protected]