OTTAWA, May 4, 2015 /CNW/ - As part of Mental Health Week (May 4 to 10), Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston will attend the 13th Champions of Mental Health Awards Gala. The event will take place on Tuesday, May 5, 2015, at 5:30 p.m., at the Shaw Centre (Trillium Ballroom), in Ottawa.
"Mental Health Week gives us a reason to further pursue the ongoing battle of breaking down barriers and stigmas related to mental health," said Her Excellency. "Together, united and strong, we can trigger change and better support our family members, friends or colleagues living with mental illness. This week also allows us to take the time to recognize individuals who make a huge difference in this area and to thank them for their passion, dedication and relentless work."
During the Champions of Mental Health Awards Gala dinner, a special tribute will be paid to Her Excellency for her strong dedication and commitment towards mental health. She will then deliver remarks and present the Youth Award to Patrick Hickey, a Grade 12 student in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, and co-chair of Mental Health Matters—A Whisper to a Scream, a provincial mental wellness conference. Mr. Hickey will not be in attendance; the award will be accepted by his sister, Claire Hickey.
The Youth Award 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. Beginning in 2016, the Youth Award will be renamed The Sharon Johnston Champions of Mental Health Award for Youth, 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 political decision makers, business leaders, members of the national media, sponsors and other stakeholders. For more information on the 2015 award recipients, visit www.camimh.ca.
Photo opportunity with Their Excellencies and the 2015 Champions of Mental Health at 6:15 p.m. in the Trillium Ballroom.
Media wishing to cover the event must confirm their attendance with the
Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health.
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SOURCE Government House
Marie-Ève Létourneau, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-998-0287, 613-302-0912 (cell), [email protected]; Alexandra Dionne Charest, Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health, 514-317-9333, ext. 232, 514-583-9359 (cell), [email protected]
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