By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – Breaking down mental health barriers never felt so good.
Zumba Plus drew a crowd of 250 to Saint Lawrence Secondary School (SLSS) in Cornwall Friday.
The fundraising event collected $2,000 for the local branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
Nine Zumba instructors brought the energy, magician Ryan Lalonde made the magic, DJ Martin Pilon rocked the beat, and a dozen local service providers pampered.
“It was a great way to kick off Mental Health Awareness Week,” said Angela Pilon, Zumba instructor/event co-organizer.
CMHA’s 63rd Annual Mental Health Week runs from Monday, May 5 to Sunday, May 11.
This year, the association is launching the Be Mind Full initiative, asking Canadians how they really feel: fine or phine? According to their website, too often people claim to be feeling fine when they do not.
CMHA estimates seven million Canadians — 20 per cent of the population — live with mental illness.
“I believe we are one step closer to breaking the silence and stigma of mental health issues, and being the change we need to see in our community,” she said.
Participating businesses included Mocktails Cornwall, Shaver Photo Booth, Above & Beyond Medi, Wellness and Beauty Spa, Health Nut, Serenity Massage and Wellness, and Spirit Tree Yoga.
For more information, visit www.cmha.ca.
