Annual RBC Evergreen Gala raises over $300,000 for mental health in Nova Scotia

Monday, November 20, 2023 Halifax N.S. – The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia announces over $300,000 raised through its signature RBC Evergreen Gala last Saturday. A batch of President and CEO Starr Cunningham’s shortbread cookies was auctioned off and led to a winning bid of $10,000. A second batch was requested and secured an additional $5,000.

Funds raised will support programming in mental health, mental illness, and addictions throughout the province. In 2022-23, the Foundation approved more than 150 Community Grants worth over $2.8-million in funding.

Grant applications have shown a growing need for training in mental health and suicide interventions. In 2022-23, the Foundation approved mental health training for 356 people. Based on requests for 2023-24, the Foundation is projecting that 663 more people will have received this life-saving training.

“Quite simply, this tells us Nova Scotians want to be ready to save a life,” says Cunningham. “There’s a desire to learn more about signs and symptoms, detecting distress, and how to respond to a mental health crisis. Money raised through the RBC Evergreen Gala will ensure we’re able to continue to meet the demand.”

Grant recipients request training through programs such as LivingWorks’ Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), LivingWorks’ safeTALK, the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Mental Health First Aid program, and more.

“It’s not just mental health volunteers and workers who want this training,” says Cunningham. “We have a wide range of people asking for it — driving school instructors, hair stylists, entrepreneurs, and ground search and rescue volunteers. If my shortbread cookies can help support this need, I’m thrilled to keep baking.”

To illustrate the importance of mental health training, gala attendees were shown a video featuring Colchester Ground Search and Rescue Association, a grant recipient that now offers mental health training to its members because of Foundation funding. The volunteer organization has reported an increase in search operations that involve a mental health component.

Groups and organizations in Nova Scotia interested in mental health training are encouraged to apply for the Foundation’s next round of funding awards, which will be announced in the coming weeks.

About the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is a registered charity dedicated to increasing financial support to community initiatives throughout the province that provide hope and eradicate the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction. Donations can be made at www.mentalhealthns.ca/donate.

About the RBC Evergreen Gala
A signature annual fundraising event of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, the Evergreen Gala is presented by RBC and kicks off downtown Halifax’s Evergreen Festival (November 24-December 17). The event included both an open-to-public silent auction and an on-site live auction. The event was made possible through generous sponsorships and partnerships with Steele Auto Group, St. John Ambulance, Advocate Printing and Publishing, Air Canada Foundation, Believeco, Bishop’s Cellar, CTV Atlantic, Encore, Glow the Event Store, Moore Suites, Touch of Gold, and RPM Productions. The gala took place on November 18, 2023 at the Halifax Convention Centre.

MEDIA CONTACT
Niecole Killawee, Manager of Communications
Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
(902) 717-5981 | niecole.killawee@nshealth.ca