You want some fun and food to help your mental health, Bring It On.
North Okanagan residents have an opportunity to come together, have a good time, and create awareness about mental health with two special events Thursday, May 8, as part of Mental Health Week.
鈥淲e are excited to bring the community together as a way of shattering stigma around mental health and creating connections with those around us,鈥� said Julia Payson, executive director of Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon and District.
Event No. 1 is CMHA's annual Block Part from 12 to 2 p.m. in front of the Museum and Archives of Vernon. The party includes booths highlighting local organizations. Hamburgers will be available by donation, and The Shades will provide live music.
Everyone is invited.
Event No. 2 is indoors and requires a big screen.
CMHA is the charity of choice for Watkin Motors Ford Presents Thankful Thursday at the Vernon Towne Theatre May 8 at 6:30 p.m.
The film is the cult classic Bring It On, and 100 per cent of the box office profits from the screening will go directly to CMHA Vernon. Purchase your tickets at thetowne.ca/movie/bring-it-on---thankful-thursday
National Mental Health Week runs from May 5 to 11 and this year鈥檚 theme is Unmasking Mental Health.
鈥淢ental health challenges often mean people are hiding behind a mask to avoid judgment and discrimination," said Payson. "But as the stigma becomes heavier, so does the mask, which creates more isolation.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 why it鈥檚 important for all of us to look beyond the surface and consider the whole person. Through honesty and vulnerability, deeper connections are formed, and positive mental health benefits are created.鈥�
For more information about CMHA services and programs, visit https://cmhavernon.ca/.
