Canadian Mental Health Association Hastings Prince Edward (CMHA HPE) gave out its Champion of Care Awards at its annual board meeting last Wednesday.
CMHA HPE says the awards are given to those that go above and beyond in their support of CMHA HPE and those experiencing mental health and addictions challenges.
This year’s winners as well as their contributions are below
Tim and Melanie Howard
Melanie lost her brother to mental health and substance use disorder in June 2022. In memory of Andrew, Melanie and her husband Tim organized a golf tournament. The inaugural Andrew Roy Memorial Golf Tournament was held at Trillium Wood Golf Course on June 3, 2023, and raised $24,000 and the money was donated to strengthen CMHA HPE programs and services.
2009 Quinte West Golden Hawks
In December 2023, the U15 Quinte West Golden Hawk Team (7-year-old hockey players) took the lead on the Sox from Hawks Challenge. All Quinte West Minor Hockey teams stepped up to show their support and over 1500 pairs of socks were collected and distributed to CMHA HPE clients and community partners.
Mayor Neil Ellis
The leadership of Mayor Ellis resulted in the City of Belleville committing significant funding to purchase and renovation of 1 Alhambra Square, the future location of The Bridge, which will offer health, social and basic needs services to unhoused and vulnerable people in Hastings Prince Edward.
In February 2024, a tainted supply of opioids resulted in a significant number of overdoses and overwhelming the capacity for emergency services and local hospitals. Mayor Ellis declared a state of emergency in Belleville to free up more funding to tackle escalating homelessness, mental health and drug and overdose crisis in the city.
The caring efforts and actions of this year’s recipients have made positive impacts on the lives of those living in our community with mental health and addictions challenges.
