There's nothing small about the little things we do.
They're important actions that add up to something huge.
By surrounding ourselves with inspiring, caring, creative and intelligent people, every moment becomes unique and exceptional.
In March 2023, the PCAA (Pictou County Artists Association) and Art2Sea Gallery in Pictou, where I exhibit my photographs, organized an event to raise funds for mental health.
They responded to a call from Canadian Mental Health Halifax for THE 25TH ANNUAL MOSAIC FOR MENTAL HEALTH, "INSPIRED".
Volunteer artists were invited to paint a 6 "x 6" canvas. A virtual auction was held for a few weeks, and people could participate by purchasing a work.
The Art2Sea gallery decided to participate by asking artists to paint 2 canvases, one for the Halifax event and the other for the Pictou region, which has reported several suicides in recent years.
Photography and writing allow me to express myself.
I don't paint, but I decided to take part because the cause touches me personally and is very important to me.
Frédérik, my youngest son, committed suicide at the age of 17 on July 31, 2007.
In Canada there are;
Approximately 12 suicide deaths every day
Approximately 4,500 deaths by suicide each year
The suicide rate is around 3 times higher among men than women
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults (aged 15-34).
The gallery chose to donate the proceeds from sales of the paintings to a local organization, Nick 4 Mental Health Society for mental health and suicide prevention. A cheque for $1750 was presented to the mother of Nick, the 22-year-old who took his own life on December 17, 2020.
https://www.nick4mentalhealth.com/
https://www.facebook.com/nick4mentalhealth
Here's a thank-you note from his mother:
The Nick 4 Mental Health Society would like to send out a heartfelt THANK YOU to the Pictou County Artists Association for their amazing and generous donation of $1750; proceeds from their recently held paintings auction. All of the amazing artists donated their paintings, and they were auctioned off with proceeds going back to our society! Words don't quite seem to be enough, and we are sincerely grateful for their donation!!
Your support helps to further our mission to end the stigma surrounding Mental Health and to provide financial support to much needed Mental Health programs.
I was very happy and humbled to paint my first two canvases, and especially happy to know that they found a buyer to help mental health.
Talk to you soon
Enjoy life and those who love you.
Gaétane
If you're in crisis or concerned about someone, please call 9-8-8 or send a text message. Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT. If you are in imminent danger, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
Other important numbers for Nova Scotia
Other important numbers for Quebec