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NatureNurture Mental Health Gala Sparks Conversations, Awareness, and Action

Dec 3, 2024 | 1:00 PM

For one night in September, the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo was transformed into an immersive, vibrant forest of creativity and compassion.

A showcase of vibrant local talent, the IGNITE2024 NatureNurture Mental Health Gala brought together a community of artists, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees. Igniting conversations about the mental health challenges faced by youth in our community was the goal.

The Nanaimo chapter of Take a Hike Foundation was the Donor Recipient of the event.

The organization’s focus is empowering youth with intentional, continuous clinical counselling, land-based learning, and community.

“We are truly overjoyed to have been chosen as a charitable recipient of funds raised from the IGNITE2024 NatureNuture event,” Denice Jagic, Events Manager Take A Hike Foundation, said. “Your generosity supports vulnerable youth in Nanaimo and beyond, showing them that people in their community are rooting for their success – however they define it.”

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Brett Hancock, district principal at Learning Alternatives, which is IGNITE2024’s Ember Recipient, also expressed his appreciation.

“My heart bursts with gratitude for the fabulous community supporters that attended the IGNITE Gala. When I looked out at all of you, I saw a tapestry of triumphs woven together by your perseverance, kindness, and care. Your generosity will help us provide dignity, purpose, and options to every learner we serve.”

Over 80 dedicated volunteers and a remarkable collection of local talents helped create the forest backdrop.

Contributing artists included a lineup of performers and visual creators who offered their time and talents in support of the cause.

Among the featured acts were Circus Freaks, whose gravity-defying performances left audiences in awe.

Artists such as Nicholas Roch and Jesse Dewispelaere captivated with their soulful expressions through song and poetry.

On the visual side, Pacific Arts Market transformed the venue with pieces by local artists, seamlessly integrating the theme of nature and nurture.

In keeping with the event’s forest theme, sponsor Mosaic Forest Management donated 600 saplings so each ticket holder would be able to plant a tree.

The extra trees were donated to Montessori schools in Nanaimo as well as sent home with volunteers who wished to take one.

“We want to take a moment to acknowledge the success that can’t be measured in dollars,” said Mariel Anderson, F.A.E. founder. “Together, we ignited meaningful conversations around the youth in Nanaimo and brought awareness to the vital programs that support them. The passion and commitment from everyone involved – from volunteers to performers and attendees – created a space for change, and that impact will ripple through the community in ways we may not see yet.”

The IGNITE2024 team extended thanks to the artists, volunteers, sponsors and attendees who showed up in support and made the impressive evening a success.

The organizer of the event was FAE Canada, a non-profit foundation committed to shattering stigmas and igniting awareness for mental health and vulnerable youth in Canada.

To see pictures or read more about the event, visit the IGNITE2024 website.