Dreary skies, rain, and cool temperatures weren’t enough to discourage the Imagine Mental Health Matters team, or the many people who crowded into the Niverville Bigway parking lot for a day of fun and fundraising at Imagine’s annual One Big Day on September 8. The occasion provided a unique way for families and individuals to donate time and money to help raise awareness about mental health issues.

One of this year’s primary fundraising techniques included hoisting 23 well-known locals into the air on a scissor lift. Each person, or pair, was given a designated time slot in which to call family and friends to solicit donations.

The rationale for this is to drive home a message: when you’re in a mental health crisis, you need to reach out for help to those who love you. Individuals like LGBTQ champion Michelle McHale and Drs. Chris and Mairi Burnett were among those who took on the challenge. Imagine’s volunteers made an effort to bring in scissor-lift candidates from all across southeast Manitoba with the hope that their outreach would grow into other communities as well.

Children’s entertainment was also available to encourage families to attend, thus providing a safe place to include children in the conversation about mental health concerns.

“Because of the high wind and rain, the bouncy castles did not get set up,” says Mona Stott, founder of the non-profit organization. “However, the brave candidates all came dressed accordingly and went up on the lift. In order to keep everyone safe, we made sure our local Niverville firefighters were on hand to man the lift.”

Firefighters came dressed in full gear and also provided firetruck tours and photo ops for attendees.

“We certainly recognize our emergency services and know that many may suffer with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),” Stott says. “Therefore, it’s important that they know we are there for them as well.”

She adds that the impressive firefighter setup even drew in a passing bridal couple who dropped by for a quick wedding day photo op. They also made a donation to the cause while there.

As in previous years, the Crystal Springs Hutterite colony provided a $5 barbecue lunch, donating all of the proceeds back to the cause. Approximately 200 people enjoyed lunch under the canopy of a tent and warm conversation. Stott says that providing a safe place for people to talk brings out many stories of personal struggles with suicide, depression, and PTSD.

The Lonely Mile, a series of signs bearing the names of people who have lost the battle with mental illness, provided a somber reminder of why these kinds of conversations are so important.

While Stott views the day as a resounding success, one unexpected turn gave added weight to the need for events like this and issued a reminder that Imagine’s efforts are not in vain. One passerby, seeing the Imagine banners, encouraged a friend to accompany her to the event. Stott describes the friend as someone in an immediate state of mental crisis, walking a thin line between life and death.

“Thanks to one of our members, we were able to bring her into a warm area where we sat with her and got her to go for help that very afternoon,” Stott says. “So if you wonder where your donations go, Imagine volunteers give their personal time and effort to raise money to destigmatize mental health by putting on public events. This allows individuals to come to a safe place, understanding that they are not alone. The day is a great reflection on how individuals feel, as some need to be encouraged to get through their day.”

Donations are accepted all year long on the organization’s website. Stott hopes to continue spreading the word through monthly mental health dialogues with deejay Dave Anthony, to be aired on the Global West 107.7 starting on October 18 and airing every third Thursday of the month.

Knowing firsthand the pain of losing a child to suicide, Stott can’t stress enough the need for this education.

“If you are, or know of anyone that is, in crisis, please reach out, as you’re not alone!” pleads Stott.