Nominations are now open for the 2024 Courage To Come Back Awards, presented by Wheaton Precious Metals. The awards pay tribute to those who have overcome overwhelming challenges and now selflessly give back to their community.
Nominations for the Courage To Come Back Awards
Nominations open on Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Nominations close on Friday, January 19 , 2024
Rising above adversity in life often means overcoming the challenge of maintaining mental health despite unfathomably difficult circumstances. The awards recognize the lives of five remarkable individuals whose stories inspire acts of courage and compassion, and ensure that Coast Mental Health can continue to provide compassionate, meaningful support for anyone with the courage to come back from mental illness.
This recognition goes a long way to encouraging these individuals to continue their efforts to inspire those around them. It also gives them a platform to further promote the causes or issues that are important to them.
These hidden everyday heroes deserve to be recognized and be celebrated for their contributions to our communities.
They are our role models.
People like Dr Barney Jr Williams. A residential school survivor and person recovering from alcoholism, Dr Barney has made it his life’s mission to help others overcome alcoholism and addiction.
Like Casey Wright, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour at six months old. Casey is now a champion for children battling illness and puts his energy into raising awareness and funds for families.
Like Alex Sangha, who is gay, lives with a mental illness, and is from a South Asian community where stigma persists. Today he has become an inspirational creator of safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.
Or Jodi Gray, a trans woman who overcame poverty, abuse, suicidal ideation, and depression. She changed the narrative to create better solutions and systems of care.
Recipients will be recognized in person in front of over 1,400 people at the Vancouver Convention Centre on May 23, 2024. They will receive media coverage and their stories will be shared on social media.
About Coast Mental Health
Coast Mental Health is one of the largest providers of community-based services for people living with mental illness in British Columbia. They are an established leader in the field, known for high quality, innovative programs and research. As a critical link between hospital services and the community, Coast Mental Health provides housing, support, and employment programs and services for individuals affected by mental illness, making lasting recovery possible. Each year, they provide essential services to 5,000 clients living with mental illness so they can find their meaningful place in the community – a place to live, a place to connect, and a place to work. Coast Mental Health Foundation raises funds exclusively for Coast Mental Health.
We’re all used to preparing for jackets and boots over Halloween costumes when the rain eventually takes over the season. But fear not! There are several options for indoor trick-or-treating around Vancouver where you can stay warm and dry without compromising your look:
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at InspireHealth Supportive Cancer Care’s 8th Annual A Night to Inspire Gala. It will be an evening of inspiration and purpose, featuring the dynamic co-hosts Fred Lee and Mi-Jung Lee, captivating entertainment by Multi-Platinum Singer-Songwriter Andrew Allen and The Corey Weeds Trio, and a momentous Outstanding Impact award presentation to Anna Nyarady.
A Night to Inspire Gala
Date: Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Time: 5:30pm
Location: Fairmont Pacific Rim (1038 Canada Pl, Vancouver)
Whether you’re able to join in person or would like to show your support form afar, you can purchase raffle tickets or make a donation. If you have your tickets already, or if you’d like to register for the virtual event, you can log in to see the incredible items up for grabs in the silent auction.
About InspireHealth Supportive Cancer Care
For over 25 years, InspireHealth has profoundly impacted the mental and physical health of cancer patients throughout British Columbia.
Their compassionate approach provides supportive care through stress reduction, counselling, exercise therapy, nutritional support, and education to assist patients in their recovery while helping to improve overall quality of life. All services are free and can be accessed in person or virtually, making supportive care more convenient and accessible to cancer patients across the province.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all aspects of our healthcare system and increased the challenges faced by those navigating their cancer journey throughout this unprecedented time. As such, the need for supplemental supportive cancer care is higher than ever, with the number of patient visitations seen by InspireHealth more than doubling since the onset of the pandemic.
Follow InspireHealth on Facebook and Instagram for more information.
Miss604 is a Media Sponsor of the A Night to Inspire Gala
The 6th annual Girls and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and design, and math), presented by STEMCELL Technologies, is taking place at Science World November 4th.
Girls and STEAM at Science World
Date: Saturday, November 4, 2023
Time: 7:45am to 4:00pm
Location: Science World (1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver)
While the terms “women” and “girls” are used for this program, Science World invites attendees and mentors who identify as women, girls, trans, genderqueer, non-binary, two-spirit, and gender questioning.
300 young girls, aged 12-14, will take over the Science World dome in a day of hands-on activities, enriching workshops, inspiring mentorship sessions and a keynote presentation.
With a gender gap evident across many STEAM fields, Science World’s Girls and STEAM program effectively dispels myths surrounding these careers, providing a welcoming environment for girls to engage in STEAM activities, boosting their confidence and interest. Stats show that among high school graduates, women are 30% less likely than men to enroll in a postsecondary STEM program shortly after graduation. The event sheds light on the local STEAM community and available resources for girls and women interested in pursuing a career in these fields.
This year’s keynote presentation features Andini Makosinski, Filipina-Polish Canadian inventor best known for her invention of the Hollow Flashlight that runs off the heat of the human hand, and theeDrink, a coffee mug that harvests the excess heat of a hot drink and converts it into electricity to charge a phone. The inspiration for Andini’s flashlight came from her friend in the Philippines, who had failed a grade in school because she had no light or electricity to study with at night.
Get ready to be transported to the enchanting world of Oz as Children’s Theatre of Richmond Association (CTORA) presents The Wizard of Oz at the Granville Island Stage – and your family can win tickets to opening night!
Photo Credit Canna Zhou
The Wizard of Oz on Granville Island
Date: November 3 to 12, 2023
Location: Granville Island Stage (1585 Johnston Street, Vancouver)
L. Frank Baums classic novel comes to life in this faithful adaptation by the Royal Shakespeare Company features all the most beloved songs and moments from the 1939 classic film, brought to life onstage.
Young Dorothy Gale is swept away by a tornado from her Kansas farm to the magical land of Oz. There, she encounters a host of whimsical characters: good witches, bad witches, animals that talk, scarecrows that walk, and things magical to behold. To find her way home, she must journey along the Yellow Brick Road to see the mysterious and all-powerful Wizard in Emerald City. Along the way, she makes new friends, but must also brave many dangers, including the Wicked Witch of the West, who will stop at nothing to get her hands on Dorothys magical ruby slippers. To make it home safely, Dorothy must learn an important lesson: theres no place like home.
Win Tickets to Opening Night
I have a family 4-pack of tickets (2 adult/2 child admission) to give away to opening night on November 3rd. Here’s how you can enter to win:
Don’t miss your chance to embark on this extraordinary adventure to Oz! The two-act musical, with a runtime of approximately 2 hours, includes an intermission. Suitable for audiences of all ages, this production is a perfect family outing that promises to captivate hearts and ignite imaginations.
CTORA Theatre, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to nurturing emerging talents and fostering local job opportunities within the theatre industry. Their unwavering commitment to cultural diversity and inclusivity drives them to champion the unique visions of artists. Their primary aim is to offer exceptional theatrical experiences to Vancouver’s families and children through the presentation of professional productions and the development of creative programs tailored to address the specific needs of the community.
