Gateway Gives, a non-profit committee at Playtime Casino Hanover will be teaming with Jackie Ralph and her team at CMHA Grey Bruce from Owen Sound for the second annual #ActforChange BBQ on May 1, 2023. Last year’s community event connected with over 100 individuals and raised $3,300 for community funded programs of CMHA Grey Bruce.
This community driven event will be host to a BBQ, information booth as well as fundraising silent auction table. Donors include CMR Insurance, the Hockey Hall of Fame, Black Creek Pioneer Village, West Grey Lions, Built Wright Fencing and other local businesses.
#ActforChange 2023 will be hosting special guest, Kincardine native Kendra Fisher. In 1999, while trying out for Team Canada’s national women’s hockey team, Kendra knew there was something wrong. Upon further discussions with the officials from Team Canada, Kendra, knowing she made the team, was forced to walk away to seek help. She would be diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, severe Panic Disorder, clinical depression, OCD and agoraphobia.
At first, Kendra was embarrassed by her mental illness until one day, she realized she was a part of the problem. She vowed to never be a part of the problem again, and began her journey to help others find tomorrow. Kendra has gone on to say, “We are not meant to get through life alone. Sometimes it only takes one person, a subtle gesture, a kind word and somebody else may find a reason to keep fighting.”
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Grey Bruce Mental Health and Addiction Service, a not-for-profit registered charity serving the Grey Bruce area, is driven by the values of compassion, dignity, inclusivity, integrity and choice. There are seven sites and offices throughout Grey and Bruce served by a head office in Owen Sound.