HUGS 101 challenges Nova Scotia schools to bring awareness to mental health issues
Sponsored by Fog Off Clothing Co., endorsed by StudentsNS
Dartmouth, NS – October 1, 2015
Throughout the month of October, the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is challenging post-secondary institutions across the province to “HUG for mental health.” The challenge is sponsored by Fog Off Clothing Co., and endorsed by StudentsNS.
The HUGS 101 Post-Secondary Challenge will raise funds and awareness for mental health programs in Nova Scotia, and encourage conversation and sharing among student populations.
"The Board's commitment to HUGS101 is a sign of our continued efforts to address mental health in this province," says Fallis Thompson, Chair of StudentsNS. "We are hopeful that by actively working to raise awareness about mental health, that we will be able to help those in need and eliminate the stigma that still, so often, surrounds mental health."
Schools participating in the challenge are: Acadia University, Cape Breton University, Mount Saint Vincent University, Nova Scotia Community College (Annapolis Valley, Kingstec, Truro, and Waterfront), St. Francis Xavier University, and St. Mary’s University.
The challenge includes two components: texting and social sharing. Each school has been assigned a unique text code and hashtag. Students, staff, alumni and supporters are encouraged to text their school’s code to the number 45678 to donate $5.00 to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. On social media, participants can spread the word about the challenge and share mental health moments using their school’s hashtag. Schools can also further their efforts by hosting a HUGS event or fundraiser. Text codes and hashtags are listed on the Foundation’s website.
Every week, one texter and one social sharer will be randomly drawn to win an item from Fog Off Clothing Co. At the end of October, the school with the most funds raised (divided by total student population) will win a grand prize from Fog Off Clothing Co.
"Fog Off is thrilled to extend our ongoing partnershipwith the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia through sponsorship of the HUGS 101 Challenge,” says Tim Hennebery, Owner and Founder of Fog Off Clothing Co. “The Fog Off brand was created to make a difference in the lives of Canadians struggling with mental health issues. We encourage students and the community to join us in the month of October by learning more about the challenge and our continued efforts with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia throughout our province and country.”
To learn more about the HUGS 101 challenge, visit mentalhealthns.ca/hugs101
Happy hugging!
About the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is a registered charity dedicated to improving the lives of Nova Scotians living with mental illness and their loved ones. We raise funds for vital programs and services that help make this possible, province-wide.
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Contact:
Colleen Fraser
Communications Coordinator
Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
T: (902) 464-3210
E: colleen.fraser@nshealth.ca