Comic and mental health advocate Big Daddy Tazz, left, and RPN Cathy Watson, an event organizing committee member, shown at the Champions of Mental Health Gala Saturday. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Support for mental health

Mental Health Gala wraps up after 10-year milestone

May 12, 2019 | 3:01 PM

It was a bittersweet evening when the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan’s North Battleford branch held its final annual Champions of Mental Health Gala Saturday, marking a 10-year milestone for the popular event in the Battlefords.

Community supporters, those working in mental health services as well as a number of mental health patients attended the gala dinner and auction held at the Western Development Museum.

Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) Cathy Watson, an event organizing committee member, gave a moving speech about the history of the gala since it started a decade ago, to acknowledge citizens and groups that have worked and advocated for mental health issues in the Battlefords community over the years.

She said the organizers decided to conclude the annual event primarily because there was a need for more volunteers to keep the committee going.

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“Most of the people who are on our committee are retiring, or retired or just tired,” she said following the event.

During her speech Watson thanked everyone for first making the awards event possible in the first place.

The local gala was modeled on the champions of mental health awards celebrations held in eastern Canada. Watson said that RPN Carol Funk once said: “Why can’t we do this here?” when the seed was first planted for the Battlefords event. And so, some local RPNs volunteered to form a group to start the awards program locally.

Watson said it seemed fitting to support mental health advocates with a special ceremony here also since it was in line with the Battlefords founding forefathers’ mission back in 1910, when the original Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford (SHNB) was first being planned, to provide care to those dealing with mental illness. Later, in 2004 when the new SHNB was being conceptualized, the aim was to remove the stigma around mental illness also. So the mental health awards ceremony committee had a mission to do just that as well in honouring those who advocate for mental health awareness.

“We decided we wanted to do something positive,” said Watson, adding the awards ceremony has helped bring the issue of mental health into the forefront.

Awards

Over the past 10 years, the local gala recognized a total of 48 individuals and organizations for their efforts to support mental health in the Battlefords area.

Watson thanked the many community residents and groups, as well as sponsors and other supporters, such as businesses, financial institutions, and civic government, for being strong advocates for mental health.

She said this year the committee recognized the Battlefords and area members for “being a supportive community since 1910.”

Following the event, SHNB Director Linda Shynkaruk remained positive for the future.

“We are full of hope,” she said. “There is more awareness about mental health issues, and we hope that continues in some way. I’m happy to have been a part of this final chapter.”

Fundraising from the gala and auction over the years has benefited a range of organizations, services and programs as well that also support mental health in the community. Funds raised from the auction, donations and gala proceeds Saturday will benefit the SHNB, including purchasing a new piano keyboard instrument for patients, staff and guests to use in the music room, auditorium and the spiritual centre.

Comedian and mental health advocate known as Big Daddy Tazz, the guest speaker for the event, gave a wildly humorous and also deeply touching look at what it means to him personally to have experience with mental illness.

The Manitoba-based inspirational speaker also offered some insights into the problem of bullying and the need for more education to raise awareness about the issue and its impact.

As a survivor of bipolar disorder, Tazz said he knows how challenging it can be for people struggling with mental health issues, but he urged them not to give up hope. He encouraged people to show compassion, and to not be afraid to offer a hug when it’s needed.

“This event is really important to recognize those who make a difference in the community and in somebody’s life,” he said following the gala. “You can be a hero as well by just being quiet and listening. That’s the most important thing. Sometimes people just need to know somebody is on their side.”

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW