Why this cheque will boost awareness for mental health help

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has many excellent programs to offer in and around Kelowna, but not enough people are aware of them.

That’s where the Community Airtime Award comes in.

Presented by Pattison Media, it will allow the CMHA to raise awareness about how they offer hope and help to anyone struggling with mental health issues.

The Community Airtime Award is granted semi-annually, where 103.1 Beach Radio and 104.7 The LIZARD, along with their community minded sponsors Kelowna Toyota and Kelowna Dental Centre, grant a non-profit group or charitable organization with a radio advertising grant of $60,000.

As well, there’s a $10,000 Digital Marketing grant of $10,000 sponsored by Kelowna Toyota.

“When we get a gift like this it helps us to reach more people and let them know about our services and the impact we’re making,” the CMHA’s director of people, culture and engagement, Candace Giesbrecht told Kelowna10.

For example, a couple of key offerings the CMHA aims to expand are the Discovery College and virtual counselling.

The Discovery College offers an innovative learning space that helps people expand their knowledge and abilities to improve their well-being and better manage their own life’s challenges like stress and anxiety. There are free courses, webinars, workshops, and events to learn, gain new skills, and connect with others in their community.

Giesbrecht said even though the pandemic may be over, many prefer to talk to someone in the privacy of their own home and so they have clinicians who can offer virtual support to people wherever they are.

“The pandemic had a huge impact on people’s mental health and we’re still seeing the effects of that,” Giesbrecht said. “While awareness is the best it’s ever been, the problem is worse than ever. It’s more important than ever to get the word out that there’s help and there’s hope.”

The airtime award is an invaluable boost for non-profits who find almost all their funds going towards operating costs, with nothing left for marketing, Bryan Ford, general sales manager of Pattison Media’s Okanagan division said.

“They are just like most other businesses… they have goals and aspirations for their organization, and our hope is that the Community Airtime Award will help these organizations take things to the next level”.

1031.1 Beach Radio and 104.7 The LIZARD encourages non-profit groups and charitable organizations throughout the Okanagan to apply for the Community Airtime Award online at beachradiokelowna.ca and 1047thelizard.ca