CEDACares Raises $32,531 for CMHA’s Mental Health Week
CEDA hosted its 5th Annual CEDACares Silent Auction in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). From May 1-8, CEDA employees bid on 169 items to raise $32,531! With this year’s auction aligning with the 66th Annual CHMA’s Mental Health Week, it not only gave CEDA the opportunity to support a cause of great importance to its employees, but also opened up the conversation about mental health.
"CEDA’s commitment to mental health in Canada has been unwavering,” said Dr. Patrick Smith, CMHA National CEO. “In just three years, CEDA has raised close to $100,000 for CMHA. The CEDA/CMHA partnership is a true model of collaboration between business and community. By “getting loud” during Mental Health Week, together we are advancing the mental health conversation, both within CEDA’s workforce and for all Canadians.”
The funds raised through the auction went to a worthy and important cause, the CMHA’s Sick of Waiting: Get Loud for Mental Health campaign. Canadians are in need of timely and accessible mental health care. Delay and inaccessibility in the health care system impedes those suffering from mental illness from seeking appropriate treatment to improve their well-being. The Sick of Waiting campaign aimed to raise awareness of the negative consequences of long wait times in mental health care and to promote timely and accessible care for those in need.
“Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s auction and for doing your part to make our communities better,” said Trish Kloberdanz, CEDA's Corporate Communications Manager and auction coordinator. “The overwhelming support and generosity of our local businesses, employees, family and friends made this one of our most successful auctions to date.”
Although the auction and campaign have concluded, the work to GET LOUD is not finished. Remember to do your part to speak out against discrimination and stigma directed at people with mental illnesses. In taking action and using your voice to raise awareness, you contribute to building support for those affected by mental illness.
CEDA would like thank all of its sponsors, especially the following for their substantial contributions: Best of 7 Barbers; Bow River Hookers; Copeman Healthcare Centre; Enterprise Car and Truck Rental; Career & Life Coaching Services by Judith Ethier; Lunker’s Fishing Adventures; Northern Backup Inc.; OMERS; PPS; Renegade Guide Service; RICOH; and YMM Cosmetic & Laser Clinic.
