Champions of Mental Health Awards Gala

During the gala dinner, Her Excellency presented the Sharon Johnston Champion of Mental Health Award for Youth to the Bishop Ryan’s Celtic Circle Student Leadership Club.

The Sharon Johnston Champion of Mental Health Award for Youth is presented to any Canadian who is 21 years old or younger and who has shown leadership in his or her community by promoting mental health or mental illness awareness. The award may also be given to an organization dedicated to providing services for youth. This is the inaugural presentation of the award, which was renamed last year in honour of Her Excellency’s work in supporting and helping Canadians living with mental illness.

Organized by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH), this event brings together decision makers, business leaders, national media members, sponsors and other stakeholders. The Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, delivered a keynote address.

As part of Mental Health Week (May 2 to 8), Her Excellency Sharon Johnston attended the 14th Champions of Mental Health Awards Gala. These awards recognize individuals and organizations whose outstanding contributions have advanced the mental health agenda in Canada.

The group comprises students from Hannon, Ontario, who are in grades 9 to 12 and who are dedicated to raising awareness of mental illness. For the past three years, these students have focused on reducing the stigma around mental illness and promoting the importance of an inclusive community.