Virtual Gala Helps Youth Shine

A mother’s story shared by Natalie Conlon, Mental Health Ambassador

In 2015, Natalie Conlon’s son Mitchell was only 17-years-old when he died of suicide, his loss delivering waves of grief and shock that continue to this day:  Mitchell had been outwardly successful in everything he did, playing AAA hockey, excelling in school, having lots of friends and planning a trip to the Dominican Republic with his girlfriend.He was the sort of kid who always had a smile on his face and a shoulder for others to lean on, a quality that perhaps made him uncomfortable disclosing inner struggles he kept well hidden.

Her family’s ongoing recovery began with her “hockey family,” a network of support that led to a connection with CMHA thanks to Liz Grummett, Manager of Fundraising and Communications. Conlon wanted to play a role in sharing her experience with youth and families in the hope those in need might seek out and get support, and since CMHA already had a presence in local high schools, it makes sense to work through the association. “That was part of the healing process, giving back to the community,” Conlon said.

Most of her efforts since then have centred around events, such as an annual golf tournament, with the goal of creating a youth centre out of an industrial building on Anne Street, a place where teens can socialize with other peers and share with each other what they might not share with adults, a place where CMHA staff could connect those youth to resources that might help, even save them. Her tireless efforts and that of others have raised approximately $200,000 with a goal triple that.

And her determination to continue that effort was not going to be stopped by the worst pandemic in a century. COVID-19 may have cancelled golf and hockey events but was powerless to stop CMHA from hosting a virtual gala on October 30^th, 2020 that featured Conlon delivering a moving speech, a milestone in both her healing and efforts to create a youth centre through the Youth Shine Campaign. “It’s emotional. It’s still raw as I move through the grief and the loss. But I’m glad I did it,” Conlon said.

She is so thankful that CMHA found a way to continue its efforts despite the pandemic. “CMHA maybe doesn’t toot their horn enough. They do incredible things,” Conlon said. But while the pandemic has made the world of fundraising even harder, she hopes it also made people more aware of the importance and fragility of mental health.

At her own workplace, in banking, her employer has placed an emphasis on wellness that she had not seen before. Colleagues have had to take time off. Friends have struggled with losing a loved one to the pandemic or simply losing the ability to be physically connected.

“A lot of people are really suffering and maybe have a greater appreciation for mental health.”

Written by Jonathan Sher