NEWS RELEASE
CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION WATERLOO WELLINGTON
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The Grove Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario – Wellington Guelph is hosting the fifth annual Guelph masquerade for mental health – Mask Off Presented by Elinesky Schuett Private Wealth Management of RBC Dominion Securities this Saturday Feb. 8 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Italian Canadian Club. All guests will be disguised by their mask of choice. This formal event is meant to expand the wider communities’ understanding of what it’s like to live “under a mental health mask." The goal of the event is to raise awareness and financial support for mental health initiatives provided by the Grove’s seven sites throughout Guelph and Wellington County.
Established in 2019 by local realtor Charmaine Collins and historically delivered in collaboration with the United Way Guelph, The Children’s Foundation and The Grove Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario Mask Off was created to raise awareness and financial support for mental health initiatives throughout Wellington County. This year, Collins transitioned the leadership of the Mask Off event to The Grove to make this an annual signature fundraising event.
Mask Off chose to partner with The Grove because it is a one-stop-shop for youth mental health and wellness in Guelph-Wellington. The Grove supports youth 12-26 by meeting youth where they are right now, with open doors, open minds and open hearts. The Grove supports wide range of need including mental health, substance use, primary care, education, employment, training, housing and other community and social services. All local, all accessible and all available in one location.
“We are grateful to Charmaine and everyone supporting this year’s Mask Off event. In 2024, youth walked through the doors of The Grove 36,000 times. As we strive to meet the demand for free, accessible mental health and wellness support in our region, the important funds raised will help us serve even more youth in need. Every donation to The Grove ensures we can sustain and expand our services, making a lasting impact on the lives of young people in our community," says Executive Director of The Grove Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario Jeff Hoffman
The event includes videos of impact, a silent auction, dinner, and dancing to Black Water Trio. The Cyndy Dearden Youth Leadership Award, a new annual award in recognition of a youth who demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities in their community, will also be presented. Cyndy Dearden
has been instrumental in bringing the reality of The Grove Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario to life. This award is to thank Cyndy for her incredible work and to recognize yearly the positive impact a youth aged 12-25 has on their community and their peers. The qualities the youth must exhibit are responsibility, empathy and integrity. This year we have the pleasure of presenting the Cyndy Dearden Youth Leadership Award to Miranda _
Thank you to our incredible sponsors for making Mask Off possible:
- Presenting Sponsor: Elinesky Schuett Private Wealth Management of RBC Dominion Securities
- Cocktail Sponsor: Barzotti Woodworking Limited
- Wine Sponsor: Coldwell Banker Neumann Real Estate Brokerage
- Silent Auction Sponsor: Breathe Medical Spa
- Masquerade Gold Sponsor: Wisdom's Jewellers
- Masquerade Bronze Sponsor: Serco, Crème Couture, Sleeman Breweries
- Decor Sponsor: The GrandWay Events Centre
- In Kind: Harvey’s, Milk & Co., House of Bogart, Flanagan Food Service
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