National Volunteer Week 2009: April 19 - 25
National Volunteer Week is a special time set aside in April to honour people who donate their time and energy to their fellow citizens.  The Week also raises awareness of the vital contribution volunteers make to our communities and to the values and identity of our country.
From coast to coast, volunteers are involved in our communities.  Volunteers serve on the boards and committees of local agencies and associations; volunteers mentor peers, organize cultural and recreational activities, help neighbours, provide shelter and counseling services, clean up parks, coach teams and so much more.  Volunteers help build and strengthen our communities by responding to the needs that make each community in Canada unique.  Volunteers truly grow the community.  Throughout National Voluteer Week thousands connect with volunteer-involving organizations, volunteer centres, corporations, schools and government bodies to salute Canada's 6.5 million volunteers.  Together Canadians are helping to raise the profile of volunteers within our communities and organizations!  www.volunteer.ca

To learn more about the Volunteer Appreciation Events please Click here

Prevention of Violence Against Women Week 2009: April 19 - 25
Recognizing and celebrating Prevention of Violence Against Women week is because it encourages to talk about a subject that for too long as been discussed about behind closed doors and drawn curtains.  The physical and emotional costs are devastating for women, our children, our loved ones and for society as a whole.  As long as there is one woman who has experienced abuse or suffered from abuse or violence, that is one too many.  If you truly want to eliminate abuse, violence against women, prevention is the key.  Prevention begins with examining our own attitudes and our own actions.  Prevention begins by raising awareness.  Prevention begins with education.  And prevention begins with fostering a respectful attitude towards women, especially at a young age when we have the best chance of shaping attitudes and behaviour.  Transition houses, safe houses, second stage housing, Children Who Witness Abuse programs are all very important services helping to break the cycle of violence against women. http://www.cserv.gov.bc.ca/women/prevention_week/index.htm

National Mental Health Awareness Week 2009: May 4 - 10
A national awareness campaign that provides Canadians with many opportunities to find out more about the importance about mental health, and how to achieve it in our daily lives.  Canadian Mental Health Association believes that to achieve good mental health, we must strive for balance in our lives.  Making connections, by reaching out to those who can help us find that balance, will guide us on the journey to well being.  Mental health is now acknowledged to be as important as physical health.  The World Organization defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity".  www.cmha.ca

Public Education Video Courtnall Family Story: To experience a mental illness is not the path anyone would choose willingly. However, personal experience is the greatest teacher in the life learning process. What is especially encouraging is the knowledge of how many people, like you, are willing to learn about mental illness and mental health issues and to accept the growing number of people living with the disorder. As you'll learn from the most recent recipients of the CMHA Provincial Mental Health Voices Award The Courtnall Family Story ; life is full of unexpected moments. We appreciate the on-going support we receive from people just such as you that helps Canadian Mental Health Association for the Kootenays unlock the mysteries and stigma of mental illness and to better serve our families and communities now and in the future.

Public Education Mental Illness First Aid Video Shelby's Story: In response to increasing demand, we have recently undertaken a major expansion in our public education department to include increased course delivery options. One such addition, includes a two-day sensitivity workshop on Mental Illness First Aid or the MIFA course as we refer to it. The benefits and merits of this first-aid approach to mental illness awareness will be self-evident when viewed in the video presentation Shelby's Story.