30th Festival of Trees Sponsor Spotlight: Advocate

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is very proud to have Advocate continuing its support for the Forest of Trees. This sponsorship allows the Foundation to bring the much-loved holiday display to the public through outdoor and virtual viewings. The Pictou-based family business has been making mental health a priority for more than a decade.

“Advocate is a valued partner of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia,” says Starr Cunningham, Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia President & CEO. “Its commitment to bettering the health and wellness of all Nova Scotians has a significant impact on the work we do to help those living with mental illness and addiction thrive in their own communities.”

Last year Advocate made a touching contribution to the Forest of Trees with its tree entitled “Shine On.” The evergreen was symbolic of the strength and resiliency Nova Scotians demonstrated in 2020 with 22 hearts etched on Nova Scotia crystal ornaments to represent the lives lost in the Portapique area.

“The Festival of Trees has become a tradition for our family, says Crystal Murray, President of Advocate edia Inc. “To bring a tree to life is not just a reflection of our values as a company but from our entire family. Our connection to the Foundation has many layers. We believe that mental wellness is key to a healthy vibrant life, and also acknowledge people living with mental illness can also live with the same vibrancy when they are supported by their communities, workplaces, and loved ones. We hope our Shine On themed Christmas Tree will bring a sparkle of joy for anyone who needs a little more light in their lives this holiday season.”

Beyond event support and annual contributions to the Forest of Trees, the Advocate also provides year-round print and PSA opportunities to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.

Compass Group Canada Nourishes the Mental Health of Nova Scotians

What’s in a name? In this case, more than two decades worth of support for Nova Scotians living with mental illness and addiction, and their loved ones. 2019 marks the 21st year for Compass Group Canada as the presenting and title sponsor for the Compass Group Canada Festival of Trees. Over the years, the market leader in contract food service and support services has been contributing to the Foundation’s recipe of hope in many ways including its annual Compass Group Canada Community Grant which funds educational programs that focus on healthy eating and food preparation for Nova Scotians living with mental illness and addiction.

“Compass Group Canada is helping ensure Nova Scotians living with mental illness and addiction, and their loved ones have the support they need right in their own communities,” says Starr Cunningham, Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia President & CEO. “They’ve also taken it one step further by working to combat food security, one of the key challenges facing those living with mental illness.”

Compass Group Canada believes in thinking ahead and giving back. This is exemplified in the company’s passion for its partnership with the Mental Health Foundation. Compass Group Canada actively promotes mental health by supporting and engaging with all of the Foundation’s signature events. 

“Compass Group Canada is committed to supporting and promoting mental health and wellness within our business and within the communities we serve,” said Maarten Galesloot, President Healthcare and Senior Services. “Over the past 21 years, we have proudly partnered with the Festival of Trees, in support of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, to help raise funds for their outstanding efforts. This event has had a tremendous impact on the local community and we are grateful for the important work being done to support mental health initiatives in Nova Scotia.”

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia would like to express its gratitude to Compass Group Canada for its great people, great service, and great results it is achieving in providing hope and eradicating the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction.

St. John Ambulance Improving Mental Health Literacy of Nova Scotians

St. John Ambulance is improving the health, safety and quality of life of all Nova Scotians through its ongoing support for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. The first aid training and community service organizations has been the Technology Sponsor for the Compass Group Canada Festival of Trees Shannex Holiday Luncheon since 2016.

Mental Health First Aid Course at St. John Ambulance

Not only is St. John Ambulance the Technology Sponsor of the Shannex Holiday Luncheon, the organization also partners with the Foundation to deliver the St. John Ambulance Mental Health First Aid Named Grant. The Named Grant provides financial assistance to individuals and organizations who are seeking to improve their mental health literacy and interactions with family, friends, community members or colleagues living with mental illness and addiction.

“One of the biggest challenges facing Nova Scotians living with mental illness and addiction is identifying their struggle,” says Starr Cunningham, President & CEO of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. “St. John Ambulance is playing a vital role in educating the greater public and actively changing the way people think about mental illness and addiction.”

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is proud to be connected with such a respected community leader as St. John Ambulance who is dedicated to eradicating stigma and improving the health of all Nova Scotians through mental health first aid training.

RBC Helps Nova Scotians Thrive by Supporting Mental Health

RBC is collaborating with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia to increase financial support to Nova Scotians living with mental illness and addiction and their families. A longtime supporter of the Foundation, RBC has given back to mental health programs and services in communities across the province for more than two decades. Since 2011, RBC has been a proud sponsor of Compass Group Canada Festival of Trees and most recently title sponsor of the RBC Black Tie Gala.  RBC has also shown its support to many of the Mental Health Foundation’s fundraising initiatives including A Different Stage of Mind, Inspiring Lives Awards, our Capital Campaign, and Let’s Keep Talking Awards.

“We can always count on RBC to invest in the mental health of communities across Nova Scotia,” says Starr Cunningham, Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia President & CEO. “The RBC Black Tie Gala is the premiere event of the holiday season for good reason and RBC is an integral part of its ongoing success.”

Chris Ronald, RBC Regional President, Atlantic Provinces speaks at the RBC Black Tie Gala 2018

RBC role models its commitment by providing its team with multiple tools to help address mental health problems. All employees and their families have access to free and confidential counseling, consultations and additional online mental health resources.

“RBC’s been a longstanding supporter because we recognize how critical it is to support programs that help youth and families access the right care at the right time,” says Chris Ronald, Regional President, Atlantic Provinces. “The RBC Youth Mental Well-Being Project is our commitment to focus our funding on areas where we believe we can make the biggest difference in helping kids be healthy inside and out.”

RBC is proud to be providing hope to the more than 200 thousand Nova Scotians living with mental illness and addiction and their families.