DARTMOUTH, NS – The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is helping friends gather in Sackville. In partnership with community volunteers Chris Sperdakes and Andrew Bartlett, the Foundation is funding a vital support group.
Both Sperdakes and Bartlett are working to change the way people think about mental illness in memory of Chris’ father, John Sperdakes. With a strong network of family and friends, the two organize an annual John Sperdakes Memorial Tournament (JSMT) golf fundraiser. Funds raised in 2017 were directed to a JSMT grant aimed at making a difference in their home communities of Lower, Middle and Upper Sackville.
The 2017 JSMT Community Grant has been awarded to Friends Gathering (Connections Sackville); a community-based group for people who have severe and persistent mental illness. The group offers weekly programming and support while using the principles of psycho-social rehabilitation under the recovery and integration model. This grant will help provide transportation to community activities for members and supplement in-house programming.
“This is a wonderful example of a grassroots, community effort that is improving lives,” says Starr Dobson, President and CEO of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. “The leadership shown by Chris and Andrew is inspiring and we hope it motivates others to get involved.”
The Foundation looks forward to a successful 2017-2018 year. The Foundation’s 2016-2017 Community Report can be downloaded at mentalhealthns.ca.
About the John Sperdakes Memorial Tournament
Throughout the year, JSMT hosts a variety of events including a signature golf tournament which continues to sell out every year. Over the past six years, the JSMT Fundraising Society has raised in excess of $50,000 for a variety of local and national charities. In 2016, they were very pleased to announce they would be working with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.
Contact:
Chris Sperdakes chris@mmfp.ca
Andrew Bartlett abartlett@mreng.ca
About the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is a registered charity dedicated to improving the lives of Nova Scotians living with mental illness and their loved ones. The Foundation raises funds for vital programs and services that help make this possible, province-wide.
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Media Contact:
Jennifer Lewandowski, Communications Lead
Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
T: 902.464.3210
E: jennifer.lewandowski@nshealth.ca