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Thursday, June 5, 2014 Crowsnest Pass Free Press
Opinion
Phone: 250-509-0177 Email: publisher@cnpfreepress.ca For news tips, community, sporting and other events, please contact Joni MacFarlane at 403-563-7725 or email: joni.macfar@gmail.com
Crowsnest Pass bands together to end stigma of mental health
Oh what a night. Beginning with the silence of shocking statistics showing the devastation of mental illness, and moving to the heartbreak of personal stories, last week saw residents come together in a way seldom seen. The event was Clara’s Big Ride and as inspiring and moving as Clara Hughes was, the evening wasn’t about her. And the story wasn’t only hers. It was about all of us and all our stories. The message brought to those of us in attendance – told so humbly and with such grace – was that we all suffer from the havoc that mental illness wreaks upon society, and that together we can break the cycle of fear and isolation felt by those afraid of being “found out”. Those who suffer in silence need to know that there is help available, that there are hands outstretched ready to catch them, and that healthy emotional wellness and a life beyond pain can be yours. It was an incredibly moving and heartwarming experience to feel the connection with hundreds of people in our small community who believe in a caring, compassionate approach to a subject that has for too long been kept in the dark. As witnessed by the courage and celebration of those who work to help others, we’ve opened the door and let a crack of light into this world. Let’s make journeys like Clara’s Big Ride, a thing of the past and no longer necessary. Let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s share our stories and help end the stigma around mental illness. JLM The Crowsnest Pass Free Press welcomes letters to the editor that are of interest to our community. Whatever the subject, there are a few basic guidelines to follow before Crowsnest Pass Free Press will publish your comment. • Letters must be received by 4 p.m. Thursday for the following week’s paper. • One letter per person per month. • Letters should be typed or neatly written and present the issues as clearly as possible in 350 words or less. • All letters must contain the name, address and signature of the writer, and a phone number where they may be reached during business hours. • Anonymous letters will not be published and pen names may not be used, except in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the editor. • The editor reserves the right to edit for length, clarity or reject letters over matters of libel, legality, taste or style. Letters published do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy or belief of this newspaper.
The United Riders of Crowsnest kicked off their season with their annual movie night fundraiser held at the Orpheum Theater in Blairmore. Vice President of the club, John Redekopp (pictured), says that UROC has many exciting things planned for the summer, including skills clinics as well as en enduro race in July. Photo by E. Fairhurst
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