Toni Bryan, owner of Hometown Designs Ltd. in Unity, shown wearing one of her semi-colon project T-shirts to support mental health. (submitted photo/Erika Riemer Photography)

By Angela Brown

Support for mental health

Unity business partners with CMHA Saskatoon for mental health fundraiser

Feb 11, 2021 | 4:30 PM

A Unity business owner partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Saskatoon branch for a fundraiser to benefit mental health.

Toni Bryan, owner of Hometown Designs Ltd., created T-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies incorporating the well-known semi-colon image in the design, to represent symbolically that there is hope for those with mental health issues.

“The semi-colon is used as a message of affirmation and solidarity against suicide, depression, addiction, and other mental health issues. I believe it shows that your story and your life are not over,” Bryan said.

The shirts also feature the CMHA logo on the sleeve.

All funds raised support CMHA programs and services at the Saskatoon branch. The fundraiser continues until Feb. 22.

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Bryan said she struggled with postpartum depression but was able to get help by accessing resources in the community. She hopes to encourage others to reach out also if they ever need to speak to someone about a mental health issue.

“I am a really strong believer in mental health and raising awareness,” she said. “I know that especially in these times, so many more people are struggling.”

Anyone who wishes to purchase a semi-colon design shirt to contribute to the fundraiser can do so through the Hometown Designs Ltd. business link here.

Canadian Mental Health Association Saskatoon Branch executive director Faith Bodnar said the organization was pleased to partner with the business on the project.

Bodnar said Bryan is passionate about increasing awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.

“We are so pleased we have such amazing people in our community who want to help, especially right now,” she said.

Bodnar said the Saskatoon branch, which serves the Saskatoon area, saw a three-time increase in clients and residents contacting the organization for help since the pandemic started in March of last year.

“Our goal is that the [semi-colon] project would help reduce the stigma around mental health, so people can talk about the issues they struggle with, and their friends and family struggle with,” she said, adding support is available for anyone who needs it.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW