Vancouver Whitecaps FC are proud to support the club’s Premier Founding Partner for the sixth annual Bell Let’s Talk Day. Since 2010, Bell has donated over $73 million to mental health initiatives in Canada. Today (Wednesday, January 27), Bell will donate an additional 5¢ to mental health initiatives for every:
- Text message sent
- Mobile & long distance call made
- Tweet using the #BellLetsTalk hashtag
- Facebook share of the Bell Let's Talk Day image
*By a Bell or Bell Aliant customer only.
Last year, more than 4 million tweets made Bell Let’s Talk the #1 Twitter trend both in Canada and worldwide. A total of 122,150,772 tweets, texts, calls and shares resulted in a new Bell donation of $6,107,538.60 for mental health initiatives across Canada.
Mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia affect people of all ages around the world. One in five Canadians will experience a form of mental illness at some point in their lifetime (Canadian Institute of Health Research). Many people find ways to live with their illnesses, but negative stereotypes about mental illness and the discrimination that they face from others as a result is often more challenging than the illness itself.
Only 49 per cent of Canadians said they would socialize with a friend who has a serious mental illness (Canadian Medical Association). Two thirds of those suffering from mental illness are too afraid to seek the help that they need.
Bell Let’s Talk has partnered with more than 600 organizations to help move Canada’s mental health programs forward. Approximately 450,000 people have already received mental health support through Bell Let’s Talk funded programs.
While we cannot end mental illness, we can do our part to end the stigma surrounding it. Whitecaps FC are proud to once again support Bell in this initiative. Join us in the conversation today. Participate by sharing, tweeting, texting and talking about Bell Let’s Talk Day.
Five ways to help end the stigma around mental illness:
- Language matters – Pay attention to the words you use about mental illness
- Educate yourself – Learn, know and talk more, understand the signs
- Be kind – Small acts of kindness speak volumes
- Listen and ask – Sometimes it’s best to just listen
- Talk about it – Start a dialogue, break the silence
Get connected with Bell Let’s Talk:
Web:Bell.ca/LetsTalk
Twitter:@Bell_LetsTalk and #BellLetsTalk
Facebook:facebook.com/BellLetsTalk
