“We didn't know if it would fly. We didn’t know if anyone would show up,” said DeYoung.
It turns out she didn’t need to worry, as the event was well attended and raised $7,000.
“We were overwhelmingly surprised by the response,” she said. “For us last year, we didn’t know how important this issue was to our community, and how much genuine concern there is around about it.”
The second annual event is coming up, and Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia President and Pictou County native Starr Dobson will be back to emcee. Models for Mental Health features local people wearing consignment fashions, which will be available for purchase following the show.
“We are thrilled to have the support of Pictou County again,” says Dobson. “I always look forward to going home, but especially when there’s an opportunity to raise both funds and awareness for mental health in the area.”
DeYoung has a family member who has been affected by mental illness, and as a former educator, saw the impact of mental illness in schools. She said many people know someone who has struggled with mental illness. “But we tend not to talk about it as freely as we would for another illness.”
This is why she and Coleman decided to plan the event last year, and again this year with the help of a larger committee.
“Despite the fact that it’s fun, the purpose is to generate awareness and help eradicate the stigma and discrimination that still surrounds mental illness,” she said. “Being hopeful and being positive and being proactive is what we all need to be aiming for.”
Funds raised are distributed through grant proposals, and all monies stay in the local area. Last year’s show funded three Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia grants within Pictou County. The recipients included Preserving our Mental Health; an art therapy program at New Hope; and the Stand Up, Speak Out Program at Summer Street Industries.
The event will feature live entertainment, door prizes, and a few fun surprises that are new this year. It takes place on Sunday at Glasgow Square from 2 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $20 each and available at Scotiabank in Westville, with the bank matching all ticket sales.Read more at:formal dresses uk | cocktail dresses uk