We have us some serious fun at Dc HQ – on our blog, and at the many, MANY community events we attend, sponsor, and just plain enjoy – but there’s far more than fun going on. A lot of what we do is driven by our want to make our city and province a better place for the people we love. That’s why I’m stoked and proud to tell you about Motown for It’s Mental coming up October 20th. Since the first Motown for It’s Mental, way back in 2015, was such a success, we’re doing it all again!
It’s Mental, man
The state of mental healthcare in our province and across the country is mental. So to combat the stigma and the isolation, and to reclaim a word that has long been used to cause so much harm, friend and Juno award-winning singer/songwriter Amelia Curran started It’s Mental – a grassroots advocacy, education, and support group.
Amelia partnered with filmmaker Roger Maunder, the Mental Health Coalition, local political allies, and of course a few hands at Dc Design House, and we’ve already seen progress on the mental health front. But there’s still work to do.
Motown up in this town
So to raise awareness and funds for this great cause, Motown for It’s Mental: Volume 2 is takin’ over The Rockhouse October 20th. Funds raised are going to help this deadly organization achieve the next milestone in our master plan: helping our founder Amelia complete classes to become a Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor.
This certification will help Amelia train others on the realities of mental health, thus making our communities better equipped to cope with their various mental health needs, and enhance our effectiveness as advocates for change. Motown fun for funds!
Backed by nine-piece band 709, and hosted by yours truly, the event will feature all-star local performers like Amelia Curran, Steve Maloney, Kelly-Ann Evans, Dana Parsons, Fortunate Ones, Jerry Stamp, Jamie Dart, and Sarah, Jenn, and Lucas of The Halliday Band, all covering classic Motown hits for a good cause.
And our friends at the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival are makin’ it their Friday night after party! Show up for a chance to win a pair of tickets to their Closing Night Gala. Plus, Film Fest pass holders get in for a reduced cover!
Tickets are on sale at Fred’s Records leading into next Friday’s event so get yours there!
Only together can we end the stigma and negativity related to our mental health status. So mark your calendars, come out to celebrate and support It’s Mental, hear GREAT music, and learn about what’s in store for next year. Let’s do this!
Looking forward,
Dc