Dartmouth, NS – May 7, 2015
Michael Landsberg, Canadian sports journalist and host of TSN’s Off the Record, joined the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia on Wednesday evening at the Spatz Theatre in Halifax to mark Mental Health Week and share his personal story and “sick not weak” mindset.
Let’s Keep Talking with Michael Landsberg, made possible by Presenting Sponsor NorthWest Healthcare Properties and Keynote Sponsor Bell Aliant, was the Foundation’s second annual legacy event following Olympian Clara Hughes’ April 2014 appearance in Halifax for Bell Let’s Talk’s Clara’s Big Ride.
Landsberg’s keynote address took on a candid question and answer-style theme. Personable and witty, Landsberg sat on the edge of the stage and engaged directly with audience members, at one point leaving his mark to hug an audience member who had shared a personal story.
Let’s Keep Talking was focused on sharing stories from Nova Scotians who are living well with mental illness and promoting mental health in their communities. Artist Ingrid Singing Grass painted live throughout the night, filmmaker Dillon Garland debuted a clip of his upcoming film, “Afraid to Speak,” and singer-songwriter Kirby Putnam performed his original song “Faith,” written for his brother. Each highlighted guest spoke with Emcee Paul Hollingsworth about their personal connections to mental illness.
The event also featured the first Let’s Keep Talking Awards. Outstanding Caregiver, Heather Dempsey; Outstanding Healthcare Provider, Kristi Kempton; Outstanding Youth, Shawntay Rose Dann; and Outstanding Individual, Bob Ransom were honoured for their efforts to spread mental health awareness and reduce stigma associated with mental illness. Michael Landsberg was also presented with the Outstanding Advocate Award.
At the end of the evening, the $422.00 50/50 prize was donated back to the Foundation, and Ingrid Singing Grass’ painting was auctioned off for $1,000, which will support the Veith Street Gallery.
“The evening exceeded our expectations in many ways,” says Foundation President & CEO, Starr Dobson. “It’s obvious Nova Scotians want to keep the conversation going and help us change the way people think about what it means to live with mental illness. Attendees are connecting with us today to tell us they’ve been inspired to do more, and speak louder.”
“Faith” is now available for $2.99 at mentalhealthns.ca. All proceeds will support the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.
You can view the Storify for the event, featuring audience reactions and photos here.
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Contact:
Colleen Fraser, Communications Coordinator
Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
T: 902.464.3210
E: colleen.fraser@nshealth.ca
Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
Suite 1120, 300 Pleasant Street
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 3Z9