The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s Vision Awards acknowledge individuals and organizations who share the Foundation’s vision of mental wellness for all Nova Scotians. Each year the Foundation honours supporters who’ve gone above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of Nova Scotians living with mental illness and addiction. The outstanding efforts of these individuals and organizations are truly changing the way people think about mental health in Nova Scotia. Please join us in celebrating the individuals and organizations who made significant contributions to improve the mental health and wellness of all Nova Scotians.
Outstanding Volunteer: Nancy Regan
Nancy Regan has been involved with the work of the Foundation since the very first A Different Stage of Mind back in 2004. As one of the original Elvis’ she shared her singing and dancing abilities, while raising critical funds at a time when talking about mental illness certainly wasn’t as acceptable as it is today. Since then, Nancy has continued to make helping the Foundation a regular part of her life.
Nancy Regan
In 2020-21, she led not one, but two of the Foundation’s signature events, during what can only be called interesting and transformative times. The Festival of Trees, presented by RBC and BMO’s A VERY Different Stage of Mind took place virtually – with Nancy joining from an online fitness studio at Evolve Fitness for Festival, and from her home for A VERY Different Stage of Mind. Nancy confidently and flawlessly emceed both of the incredibly successful events. Behind the scenes, Foundation staff got to see just how much goes into making it look effortless! Nancy attended rehearsals, put in far more time than originally anticipated, booked Mick Jagger (okay – Rob Steele) as a live guest, and truly kept both events on time and on track.
Thanks for helping us change the way people think, Nancy!
Partners in our Vision: Killam Apartment REIT
At the height of the second wave, Killam Apartment REIT provided hope to thousands of Nova Scotians through its innovative Message of Kindness campaign. Following a lot of brainstorming and a true desire to make an impact on mental health, the Killam team created a caring and creative campaign that ran in collaboration with the inaugural Evergreen Festival.
Killam Property REIT
Jeremy Jackson and his colleagues motivated others (including Southwest Properties) to get involved, write inspirational messages of kindness for public viewing, and give generously at a time of year when so many Nova Scotians were turning to the Foundation for support. By making this a matching campaign – Killam raised significant funds for the Foundation and evoked a deep feeling of belonging for all.
Now that’s how you Killiam with Kindness!
Outstanding Achievement: Ana & Zac
Ana & Zac is a Nova Scotia-based clothing brand and retail store, established in 2019, by real life partners, owners and designers, Anna Gilkerson and Zac Barkhouse. The company believes in the power of an inclusive community, sustainable business practices, ethical manufacturing, and a short supply chain.
Zac Barkhouse & Anna Gilkerson
Through imaginative fundraisers, including the production of face masks and the selling of Christmas trees in north-end Halifax, Anna and Zac raised critical funds aimed at improving the mental health of Black Nova Scotians. The dynamic duo provided us with $10,000 to launch the Nova Scotia Brotherhood Fund to support the mental health of men of African descent and their families.
And, let’s not forget, all of this innovative fundraising took place at a time when many local businesses were struggling to keep their doors open. The fact Ana and Zac kept moving forward – and put the growing mental health needs of others first – truly speaks to their generous and community-minded spirit.
Congratulations to all our 2021 Vision Award Recipients! Together we are providing hope and eradicating the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction.