Concert aims to raise money, awareness for mental illness efforts

BY JOEL INGLIS

On Saturday, April 2, some of Cape Breton’s best young musicians will be coming together in order to raise money and awareness for mental health efforts in Cape Breton with a show called Destigmatize. Mental illness effects people of all walks of life and of all ages. Cape Breton is not immune to the effects of mental illness but it is vulnerable due to a lack of resources. This group of musicians is looking to do what they can to help to change that by donating their talents to bring funds and awareness to this important cause.

The idea for this event came from Victoria Chapman. Chapman is a high school student who wanted to help with the mental health initiatives in Cape Breton and found a way to do just that. Earlier this year a member of her family lost their battle with mental illness. As a result, members of her family decided to start a petition for a mobile crisis unit to help mental health efforts in the community. After seeing her family take initiative it motivated her to do the same. With ideas of her own and some help from people in the community she came up with the event Destigmatize.

Destigmatize is being held at the chapel at the New Dawn Centre for Social Innovation (formerly Holy Angels) on April the second from three in the afternoon until ten at night. All of the proceeds from this show will be donated to the mental health unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

We are fortunate to live in a community that cares deeply about one another. When New Dawn was approached about using their space for this event, the use of the chapel was offered at no cost. When bands were approached to play the show, they were excited at the chance to help a good cause. And when the event was announced, people started getting in touch immediately to volunteer and help in any way they can. The immediate response to this event has been heart-warming and faith-inspiring.

Destigmatize will be an opportunity for people of all ages (seriously all ages – bring your baby and your grandma and rock out) to come together for an important cause. Not only will people be able to support mental health efforts in Cape Breton, but they will be able to see some of Cape Breton’s best up-and-coming musical talent. Some of the amazing acts that you will be able to see are: Superfuzz, 10-Slip, Tamarack, Kennedy Dale, Electric Spoonful, Keith Doom and the Wrecking Crew, The Full Effect, The Dirty Flannel Crew, The Meat Sweats, The Camper Vans, Hyperviolet, and The Shithawks.

Admission to the show is by donation at the door (suggested $10), but all are welcome. Come on out and experience some unabashed positivity for making a difference and amazing music.