Their work continued even though the ongoing pandemic, with advertising, education and numerous donations to causes designed to improve the mental well-being of those in Moose Jaw who need assistance.
And even in these trying times, the community did everything it could to help over the last year -- to the tune of donating close to $30,000 to the local organization in the last 12 months.
“They believe in the mission, and that’s why it’s so important to share what we’ve done on their behalf in the community,” said Journey to Hope organizer Della Ferguson shortly after their annual fundraiser and memorial in Crescent Park on Saturday morning.
“I think people are so appreciative that it’s staying right here. It’s going straight to our own community, from students to seniors, and it shows our community is growing in acceptance to having training and having conversations in this movement, taking the stigma out and letting people be seen and heard.”
The close to 100 supporters who took in the event listened to a trio of speakers.
Brittnee Prettyshield spoke of her mental health battle in school and throughout the pandemic before performing a soulful rendition of Rise Up by musician Andra Day.
Local artist Jess Zoerb talked about her sister Niki and how she honours her memory by honouring herself, creating stability and doing what she can to make the world a better place. Zoerb’s artwork is currently on display in the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre.
Brett Hagan offered a look at how physical fitness and activity can improve one’s mental health drastically, with just a few minutes a day outdoors making a huge difference. He joined Tyler Simpson and Chris Robart in the Ruck-it-Up rucking fundraiser, bringing in $7,585.
Having speakers who use a variety of methods to deal with their own mental health was all part of the plan, said Ferguson.
“We want to show that on size doesn’t fit all,” she explained, using the popular method of journaling as an example. “People always say ‘talk it out, journal it’ and not everybody has found their voice that way, it’s only one way of expressing yourself. So we want people to know there are so many different ways you can work through this and find your way, what is it that fits you.”
All told, the fundraising venture raised $28,649, with the always-popular peach sale by Todd Bell bringing in $3,620 and the Gord Aitken Memorial Quilt by Joyce Aitken -- this year with the theme Forever in My Heart -- raising close to $2,900 through their annual raffle.
The Journey to Hope also included the tradition of reading the names of those lost to suicide and who continue to be mourned and missed by their families, some of whom have been a part of the memorial all 14 years of its existence.
“It’s very much about remembering,” Ferguson said. “For some, it’s a ritual, as a way of honouring a loved one and we’re so grateful to be able to offer that for them.”
Now, Journey to Hope’s work continues. They’ll soon be embarking on another round of activities and once again working the fundraising trail. You can follow their work and make a donation by visiting their website at journeytohope.synthasite.com. You can also watch the entire ceremony on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/journeytohopemoosejaw.
