The Truth Is…. Campaign Launch

CMHA Wood Buffalo Kicks off “The Truth Is” Campaign

(November 18 – Fort McMurray, AB) CMHA Wood Buffalo is announcing the kick off to “The Truth Is…” campaign. This campaign is not just a statement; it’s a commitment to transparency, education, and advocacy around mental health issues in our region. Mental health remains a topic surrounded by myths and misconceptions. “The Truth Is…” campaign aims to challenge these myths and illuminate the realities of mental health support in our region. We want to foster understanding and encourage open conversations about mental health, ensuring that everyone knows the facts and the resources available to them.

This campaign is also a call to action. One prevalent myth that surrounds CMHA Wood Buffalo specifically is that we receive federal funding for our operations and programming. The truth is…. we do not receive any federal funding. Instead, we rely heavily on grants, local fundraising, and the generous donations from individuals and businesses in our community to continue our vital programs and services.

“As we embark on this campaign together, I invite you to join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing mental health challenges,” says CMHA Wood Buffalo Executive Director Susan Goll. “Let’s begin by committing to spreading awareness about mental health and the critical importance of community support. By educating ourselves and others, we can help shatter the stigma that often surrounds mental health. Equally important is the need for donations that will directly impact our programs, enabling us to provide essential services to those who need them most.”

Together, we can break down barriers, build stronger communities, and change lives. Let’s work towards a future where mental health is treated with the same care and respect as physical health, and no one has to face their struggles alone. Thank you for your support, and let’s make “The Truth Is…” a campaign that resonates far and wide.

The Truth is…. Campaign was kicked off at a special event last week at Rivers Casino & Events Centre where mental health champions were celebrated. Businesses Diversified Transportation, Cummins Fort McMurray, Imperial and the All-In Sports Den were honoured as were organizations 881 Crew, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nations and the Apostles Motorcycle Society – Fort McMurray chapter. As well, two individual and groups were recognized with Alyssa Thomson of The Agency North Central Alberta and The Breadmore Family, whose Mullets 4 Mantha team has raised over $48,000 the last four years through March Mullets for Mental Health.

All-In Sports Den owner Brian Wyatt was the brainchild of “Northern Lights Christmas” which is officially available in-store now, exclusively on Vinyl. The project, produced by Andrew Pottie features 12 new Christmas songs all recorded by local artists. 100% of proceeds from the first pressing of the album will go to CMHA Wood Buffalo. The album release will be celebrated Saturday, December 7^th at Kickin’ Horse Saloon. The evening will see live performances from nearly all the artists on the album, plus silent and live auctions supporting CMHA. Tickets are available now at Kickin’ Horse Saloon.

The CMHA is gearing up for a busy 2025 with the Push Up Challenge where participants will complete 2,000 push-ups over 18 days between February 11th and 28^th, 2025, all the while spreading the word about mental health and raising donations for CMHA. Registration is now open at www.thepushupchallenge.ca

Over 30 local musicians will converge under one roof at the Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts on February 28, 2025 for the annual CMHA Charity Jam & Silent Auction. Tickets will be available soon via The Mac Calendar. The event will also serve as a kickoff for March Mullets for Mental Health.

More events are in the works including Mental Health Week in May and the 8^th annual First Responders Golf Tournament in September. To stay up to date with any upcoming CMHA events, be sure to follow us on social media or sign up to our newsletter.

For more information on CMHA – Wood Buffalo, please contact Mike Jones: [email protected]

C: 587-646-5244 W: 780-743-1053