When the first wave of COVID-19 forced a complete lockdown last Spring, the Ultimate Online Nova Scotia Kitchen Party (UONSKP) connected music lovers around the globe. Now the popular Facebook Group is celebrating its first anniversary by 'playing it forward' in a big way.
“The connection between music and mental health is unmistakable. When I realized we were fast approaching our one year anniversary, it wasn't even a thought,” says Heather Cameron Thomson, Founder of the Ultimate Online Nova Scotia Kitchen Party (COVID-19 Edition). “I knew we were going to celebrate what we’ve accomplished by supporting the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia in their mission to improve lives and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction.”
The Ultimate Online Nova Scotia Kitchen Party (COVID19 Edition) was created by Thomson who wanted to spark joy amidst the fear and uncertainty of the pandemic. Marking the milestone in true East Coast style, the group will be broadcasting a free livestream concert as a fundraiser for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. It’s a fitting partnership for the online community which has served as a therapeutic tool its more than a quarter of a million members.
“We are deeply moved to have the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia chosen as the beneficiary of this milestone event," says Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia President & CEO Starr Cunningham. “The Ultimate Online Nova Scotia Kitchen Party has been an incredible source of support for Nova Scotians at home and abroad throughout a very difficult year, and we couldn’t be more proud to partner with this inspirational community to increase funding to mental health supports and services throughout the province.”
When it first launched in March 2020, the Ultimate Online Nova Scotia Kitchen Party instantly became a place for amateur and aspiring musicians to share their craft. It provided a creative outlet for those struggling to make sense of the world, radiated positivity, and instilled a sense of hope. But perhaps most notably, the online community has served as a place of refuge for Nova Scotians during a year fraught with unthinkable tragedy.
“On a daily basis we hear stories of our community members who suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, isolation, loss, and tragedy, and how the Ultimate Online Nova Scotia Kitchen Party has helped them through their worst days,” reveals Thomson. “We have worked hard to build it into a safe and supportive community where people feel comfortable enough to open up and share on their most vulnerable days, and ask for help even though they know it's already there waiting for them. We are using music as a vehicle to spread joy and truly make a difference in each other’s lives.”
The Ultimate Online Nova Scotia Kitchen Party Anniversary Celebration takes place Saturday March 20th at 7pm. It will be live streamed from the deCoste Performing Arts Centre on Facebook and YouTube. The event is free with donations in support of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. To learn more or to donate visit mentalhealthns.ca/kitchen-party.
