CORNWALL, Ontario – Au Vieux Duluth hosted their second annual dinner fundraiser in support of Mental Health week.
In partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) of Champlain East, the restaurant offered an array of activities to promote awareness as well as raise funds.
Executive Director, Joanne Ledoux-Moshonas says that the event seeks to break down the barriers and get people talking. “We’re trying to promote awareness around mental health as well as to raise funds for youth education programs, particularly our Talking About Mental Illness Program,” said Ledoux-Moshonas.
This year marks the 66th anniversary of Mental Health Week, and Ledoux-Moshonas says that she’s pleased with the community response.
“We’ve had a lot of patrons coming out for lunch this afternoon, and just the donations from the community have been phenomenal,” said Ledoux-Moshonas.
With over 55 items donated by community members, there were a number of sponsors supporting the event as well with a $1500 travel voucher being raffled off.
“Without our sponsors, we wouldn’t be here,” said Ledoux-Moshonas.
The day-long event included a dance demo in the afternoon, as well as a magic show with David Jans at dinner time. Wrapping up the evening with a little taste of rock and roll, Classic Soul took the stage at 8 p.m.
“He’s going to rock the place,” said owner, Alex Paradis.
“We’re going to get loud for mental health, as the name implies,” said Ledoux-Moshonas. “We’re here to remove the stigma of mental illness and show people that it’s no different than any other illness.”
