Celebrating Community Leaders Who've Put Mental Health Centre Stage

Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia Fundraiser Aims to Meet Increased Need

March 11, 2021 (Halifax, NS) – Inspiring stories, epic blunders, and show stopping performances will be featured in the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s upcoming fundraiser, A Very Different Stage of Mind presented by BMO Bank of Montreal. This year’s event will be a retrospective program hosted by Nancy Regan, and broadcast live from the Halifax Convention Centre Friday, May 7, 2021. BMO Bank of Montreal is a proud sponsor of A Different Stage of Mind, a partnership that started in 2009.

“Mental health is a paramount priority and we are grateful for the leadership of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia in raising awareness, eliminating stigma, and advocating for mental health services and outcomes for all Nova Scotians,” says Justin Scully, Regional President, Personal Banking Atlantic Provinces. "The unprecedented challenges of the last year make this leadership and advocacy even more important and so we are honored to once again be a part of this event. This promises to be a wonderful evening of great fun and will make a difference in support of mental health in Nova Scotia.”

The fundraising event comes at a time when the need for mental health support has never been more pressing. Nova Scotia is experiencing unprecedented levels of mental illness with one in four Nova Scotians now living with anxiety and depression. Still Nova Scotians remain optimistic about their ability to recover, a feeling of hope the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia aims to bolster through this fundraising initiative.

“Every dollar makes a difference for the more than 250 thousand Nova Scotians currently living with mental disorders who may be struggling,” says President & CEO Starr Cunningham. “The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia has seen a dramatic increase in demand for funding and we’re asking supporters to answer the call by watching, sponsoring and donating to A Very Different Stage of Mind.”

A Different Stage of Mind is a signature fundraiser of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. The event challenges brave community leaders to raise $50 thousand dollars for mental health and then take the stage for a chance of a lifetime performance as their favourite celebrity. Since 2005, A Different Stage of Mind has raised more than $3.3 million for mental health supports and services throughout Nova Scotia. For more information visit mentalhealthns.ca/dsom.