In support of Mental Health Awareness Week, a number of businesses in Newmarket and York Region are donating part of their proceeds from this week.
The fundraiser is organized by Judy Brunton, a local mental health advocate in support of Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) York and South Simcoe. She has partnered with a number of vendors from May 2 to 8.
Good Vibes on Main in Newmarket is donating 10 per cent of its sales throughout the week. The store sells clothing, home goods, pet products and more.
Christiana of Cute as a Button Girl, an Etsy shop based in Newmarket, will be donating $1 from the sale of every item that says “My Story Isn’t Over” or "End the Stigma."
Newmarket's own History Hound is also taking part and will be leading a heritage walk of the Ghost Canal on May 14, starting at The Tannery. You can email [email protected] to register.
Also participating in the fundraiser is: Brainy Games, a small business making educational puzzles and games, is donating 10 per cent of proceeds from its sales at the Aurora Farmers Market on May 7; in Keswick, clothing and gift stores Happy & Co. and Ernit Ltd. will be donating 50 per cent of profits from their mental health collections; and local author Jennifer Cicero is donating proceeds from her book, Being Brave.
A full list of all the vendors taking part is available on Brunton's social media page. She is also accepting direct donations online for CMHA.
Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event CMHA holds every May. The week aims to start the conversation about mental health, offer support, while also raising funds for the organization. This year the theme is empathy. CMHA's website provides resources to learn more.
