BONNYVILLE – Raffle tickets are being sold by the Bonnyville Health Foundation to fundraise for the Tyler Chislett Memorial Fund, which supports mental health initiatives in the area.
The rate of suicide, especially among men, has become a silent crisis. The suicide rate among men is about three times higher than the rate for women, according to Statistics Canada’s most recent findings.
The Bonnyville Health Foundation is aware that the region has a specific need when it comes to men, their mental health and suicide rates, said Dawn Weber, the executive director of the Bonnyville Health Foundation.
That is why the Bonnyville Health Foundation has partnered with local businesses to raise awareness and funds.
Tickets for the raffle are $100 each and only 100 tickets are available. This raffle is hoping to yield $10,000 for the foundation's mental health initiatives.
"As a heartfelt thank you, ticket holders will receive a complimentary, exclusive 16 oz. scented candle, named ‘Utopia’ customized for this event by Island Girls Candle Co.,” stated Weber.
The raffle will come with the chance for ticket holders to win one of three shopping sprees from Richardson’s Jewellery, valued at $1,500, $1,000, and $500.
For those interested in getting a raffle ticket, they can stop by Richardson’s Jewellery in Bonnyville or call or text 780-201-3079.
The draw for the raffle will take place on World Suicide Prevention Day, Sept. 10, at 3 p.m. inside Richardson’s Jewellery.
Traditional candlelight vigils are held annually to mark World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) and to raise awareness of the prevalent issue and help let people know resources are available.
“This annual initiative urges everyone to place a light – wick candle or battery operated (candle) - near a window at 8 p.m. on Sept. 10, to show your support for suicide prevention, to remember a lost loved one, and to warmly embrace the survivors of suicide,” said Weber.
The Bonnyville Health Foundation will also be livestreaming a virtual observance of WSPD at 8 p.m. for five minutes for anyone wishing to ‘share’ a candle remotely.
“We are inviting households to send us photos showing their candle (or light), or to post using the hashtag #BonnyvilleWSPD,” she added.
Suicide is a major cause of premature and preventable death in Canada. “It is estimated, that in 2009 alone, there were about 100,000 years of potential life lost to Canadians under the age of 75 as a result of suicides,” according to Statics Canada.
