Community Events
Cloverdale Cenotaph Remembrance Service
An amazing and moving Remembrance Day ceremony today, at the Cloverdale Cenotaph.
Kudos to the organizers!
Everything went off perfectly, right down to the crisp, clear weather!
Honoured to be asked to help with the wreath laying, on behalf of Surrey Fire Fighters – Local 1271.
#LestWeForget
(Click on any image to open it in a pop-up gallery)
Downtown Surrey BIA – All Candidates Meeting
Last night, at the Surrey SFU Campus, the Downtown Surrey BIA, hosted an All Candidates Meeting for Surrey Council Candidates.
Mike Starchuk and the Surrey First Team were all there, and here are some photos and highlights from Mike’s speeches:
“…growing seniors groups are valued, protected and cherished for ideas that they bring forward.”
~ Mike Starchuk – Surrey First Candidate
“…recovery houses are a priority… and regarding unregistered recovery homes, we need to ensure those in need of treatment, are given the help they need.”
~ Mike Starchuk – Surrey First Candidate
“…in order to be successful with schools, you have to have a successful school board.”
~ Mike Starchuk – Surrey First Candidate
“I don’t want to be part of a fractured council, I want to move forward as a team”
~ Mike Starchuk – Surrey First Candidate
Light Up Purple On World Mental Health Day
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and Friday, October 10th is World Mental Health Day. It is also the 2nd Annual “Light Up The World Purple” day to recognize the importance of mental health wellness and the de-stigmatization of the issues that surround mental illness.
Wikipedia says over 25% of people ages 18 and older – about one in four adults – suffer from a diagnosable mental health issue in any given year. The stigma surrounding mental illness is a major barrier that prevents many people from seeking the mental health treatment they need.
Amanda Todd
Amanda Todd was a teen in Port Coquitlam, BC, who, after many years of bullying and cyber-abuse, on October 10, 2012, lost her battle against depression and the mental health issues that beset her. For Amanda, and others like her, the online harassment and bullying can greatly contribute to spiraling decline into hopelessness with dire consequences. The feeling of isolation that these victims face is overwhelming, but as the statistics above bear out, they are by no means alone.
Light Up Purple
In honour of Amanda Todd – and in acknowledgement of all those who face this adversity every day – on World Mental Health Day, we are “Lighting Up Purple”. On Friday, my website background and Social Media avatars will be purple, and I’ll be tweeting the hashtag #LightUpPurple.
Please join me in showing your support and bringing attention to mental health, its major effects on peoples’ lives worldwide. Join the discussion, and help remove the stigma from receiving and discussing mental health care.
For more information on Amanda’s story and to find out ways that YOU can “Stay Strong”, please visit: AmandaToddLegacy.org/
Follow Carol Todd (Amanda’s Mom) on Twitter, at @C_Todd
Follow the Amanda Todd Legacy Society on Twitter, at @AToddLegacy
There is also great information against cyber-bullying on Twitter, at @SSCyberbullying
In Surrey, you can find contact information for the Fraser Health Services.
Community Ride For Health
I was pleased to be able to attend (alongside Surrey Councillor Linda Hepner) the kickoff of the Surrey Fire Fighters Association ‘Ride For Community Health’ this morning.This is the inaugural year of a cycling event aimed at benefiting and supporting the physical & mental health of our community. Participants will be treated to a challenging 100km cycling experience through the City of Surrey’s parks & streets. This event will allow community members, sponsors & supporters to come together to raise funds and awareness for our charitable initiatives. Although the registration is now closed, you can find out more information, and support this worthwhile event, on the Surrey Fire Fighters’ website at http://surreyfirefighters.com/charityride/
You can also follow their progress via twitter, as they share their progress, at: http://twitter.com/Local1271
Seniors Advisory & Accessibility Committee
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
On the weekend, I completed both sides of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge… donating to ALS Canada, and taking one for the team!
Thanks to Surrey City Councilor Linda Hepner for the nomination.
In my turn, I call out retired Capt Peter Choy, Rookie RCMP Constable Trish Douglas, Surrey Social Advocate Vera LeFranc & Denise Douglas… You have 24 hours to donate to an ALS charity, or take the challenge. (Or, preferably, BOTH!)
In my video I talk about Augie’s story… here is a link to the Augie’s Quest website.
Here is a link to the ALS Society of Canada.