For my capstone project, I am organizing an intimate backyard music show by the water featuring two local Vancouver bands, Chris Kitto and Little Garden. This event is meant to create a warm, connected space where people can come together through music, community, and shared intention.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and all proceeds raised will go towards the Wirth Foundation. Wirth works to reduce the stigma surrounding seeking mental health support by connecting individuals with licensed professionals and making support more financially accessible. Their work helps build a community where people feel supported and seen in their journeys towards addressing their mental health, regardless of their circumstances.

After losing my dad, Martin, to suicide in 2016, I have seen firsthand how vital accessible and stigma-free mental health support is. Barriers like cost, shame, and fear often prevent individuals from reaching out and seeking help. I believe that we can do better as a community in showing up for one another and sharing invaluable resources, like Wirth.

This event is not only a celebration of local music, but a space to uplift one another, honour those we’ve lost, and support those who are still struggling. By coming together, we can help create more access to mental health support and remind each other that no one has to go through their experience alone.

Thank you for your support, it truly means so much!