A Mental Health Morning Raises Nearly $40,000 for St. Joe’s

February 2, 2023

A Mental Health Morning Raises Nearly $40,000 for St. Joe’s Mental Health and Addiction Program

Thank you to everyone who joined us earlier today for an inspirational morning with Jesse Thistle as we celebrated the 10th anniversary edition of A Mental Health Morning – presented by ArcelorMittal Dofasco. With thanks to the support of our guests, sponsors and speakers, today’s event raised nearly $40,000 for mental health and addictions care at St. Joe’s.

This year’s hybrid event featured Métis-Cree author, poet and scholar, Jesse Thistle, who shared his deeply moving story of survivance and how acts of kindness, empathy and human connection helped him on his journey to where he is today. We are so grateful to Jesse for sharing his story of resilience and hope, and for the reminder that small acts of kindness can be a powerful force for change.

A special thank you to Marie Jones, Traditional Healing Coordinator at De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre for providing words before all else and reminding us how important our connection to the land, and to each other, is to our overall health, our mental and spiritual wellbeing.

Our Foundation would like to also extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 2022 Spirit of Hope Award winners. Each year, these awards honour the individuals and organizations in our community who are making impactful contributions to the fields of mental health and addictions care and research, or those who are actively working to reduce the stigma and shame that too often surrounds mental illness and substance use.

Aiden Perry and Christina Scarpetta on behalf of Bishop Ryan Secondary School’s Celtic F.R.E.E., April Mansilla, and Kailin Murfin on behalf of Shalem Mental Health Network.

Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School – Celtic F.R.E.E. (Youth/Youth Group Category)
Celtic F.R.E.E. (Fostering Respect, Equality, and Experience) is the student LGBTQ group at Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School. The group began during the 2017/2018 school year by grade 11 students who recognized a need for a safe space for LGBTQ2S+ youth within the school. Since then, it has been the goal of the group to not only provide this safe space, but to also connect students with LGBTQ2S+ resources for youth within the community in order to support their own mental health and well-being.
April Mansilla (Individual Category)
April is a member of the Mood Disorders Program at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. Earlier in her life, she also received care from the program. This gives April the unique ability to offer care and support by sharing both her experience as a client and her expertise as a care provider. April is also a talented artist who has used her craft to promote safety, foster hope and support healing through beautiful murals and permanent art installations across the West 5th Campus.
Shalem Mental Health Network (Organization Category)
Shalem seeks to restore hope. Through individual, couple and family counselling, the organization offers specialized therapy for children and youth who struggle with attachment disorders and their caregivers. Shalem deeply honours those who embark on a journey of healing, and works to support communities to better embrace the needs of people who struggle with emotional distress and/or mental illness.