Community News

IN-PERSON WOMEN AND WELLNESS FUNDRAISER RETURNS

RAISING FUNDS FOR CRITICAL SERVICES IN NIAGARA

BRILEE SEARS bsears@metroland.com

The Canadian Mental Health Association Niagara Branch is welcoming people back to an in-person Women and Wellness event fundraiser.

The popular event returns Feb. 21 to Club Roma in St. Catharines and will once again raise funds for critical mental health services within Niagara.

"It's been a challenging few years for everyone and the demand for mental health and addiction services continues to increase," said Tara McKendrick, CMHA Niagara's executive director.

During the event, people will be able to participate in a silent auction and raffles, snack on charcuterie boxes, and listen to entertainment from Samantha Marchionda.

Marchionda, who hails from Niagara, will be performing a one-woman show with storytelling and songs to share her personal journey with mental illness, alcohol addiction, and recovery.

"CMHA Niagara is excited to showcase this uniquely empowering presentation, as well as a few special surprises throughout the evening," said McKendrick.

In the past 12 years, more than $300,000 has been raised to support CMHA Niagara in offering services such as same-day counselling, the Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST), and safe beds.

"Our February event is both a fundraiser to ensure we are financially able to provide timely access to urgent, preventative and crisis intervention programs and services, as well as an inspirational social evening celebrating mental wellness and community," she added.

In addition to the in-person fundraiser, an online auction will take place until Feb. 9, giving bidders the opportunity to win a Meridian Centre hockey suite for 10 people to enjoy a Niagara IceDogs hockey game against the Soo Greyhounds on Feb. 23, complete with refreshments and VIP parking.

Tickets for the Women and Wellness fundraiser cost $25 a person and can be purchased online until Feb. 6 at Niagara.cmha.ca/ events/ or by calling CMHA Niagara at 905-6415222, ext. 2644.

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2023-01-26T08:00:00.0000000Z

2023-01-26T08:00:00.0000000Z

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