EVENTS & PROGRAMS
The Kelty Dennehy Foundation is committed to ensuring ongoing awareness and education of depression throughout the Whistler
Community and has developed a "Community Template" -- a platform of activities that can be followed and/or modified by
other communities.
The template consists of:
Stuff Getting You Down Awareness Campaign:
An ongoing media campaign aimed to promote and make aware to all people living in Whistler the contact phone number of
the two Youth Outreach Workers and the Crisis Stabilization Team.
Promotional Materials Available:
Posters, tear off posters, bar flyers, newspaper ads, signage, business cards, bus advertising, radio public service announcements.
Activity to date:
- In the Spring of 2006, Stuff Getting You Down media campaign was created and designed by Sue Rea, a Director of the
Foundation. Leanne Paine completed the graphic artwork.
- A 6-week campaign was initiated. The media enlisted were: Whistler Question and Pique Newsmagazine, Whistler
Resort TV, Whistler Cable 6, posters in buses, poster distribution in the areas where youth congregate (Whistler/Blackcomb
housing, bars, Youth Centers, Library, High School).
- Whistler Youth Outreach workers reported a slight increase in phone calls received and contributed it to the increased
media exposure of the phone number.
Potential Future Activity:
Analysis of former campaign cost needs to be completed. If the Board of Directors feels this is a worthwhile project, and
to become a permanent part of our ongoing Community Template, we need to assign a budget amount for the coming year's campaign (and
perhaps annually) and develop a campaign strategy according to the budgeted amount.
Whistler High School Depression Screening and Play:
In the Spring of 2005 and 2007, the Kelty Dennehy Foundation partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association, North
Shore Branch, along with the Sea to Sky Mental Health Stabilization Team and Whistler Community Services Society to deliver
depression screening to the Whistler High School and the play by Victoria Maxwell "Crazy for Life." Kerry Dennehy,
a Director of the Foundation, coordinated this initiative.
The cost of both these projects was estimated to be $10,000. The Community Foundation of Whistler assisted with the cost
of this initiative, as well as The Keg Foundation.
Potential Future Activity:
Bi-annual coordination to take place within the Whistler High School along with a play. Screening of all high school
students with an added educational component.
Dr. Young, The Monster Disease - Depression - Living and Winning:
In the Spring of 2006, Dr. Allan Young presented to a sold out audience at MY Place in Whistler, an eye-opening discussion
on depression and its devastating effects. Andy Szocs, a Director of the Foundation, coordinated this effort.
There was a massive media and promotional build up to this event, that took much administrative time to initiate, but was
the reason for the event's successful response and turnout.
In January of 2008, The Monster Disease - Depression - Living and Winning took take place in Vancouver at the Chan Auditorium
at BC Children's Hospital. World-renowned researcher, physician and mental health professionals presented an eye opening
and unveiling panel discussion on this Monster Disease and the devastating effects it has on families, friends and communities.
Untreated depression is more prevalent than we think. There was discussion on how significant and wide spread
depression is in our society, the role of the family, friends, prescription drugs, counseling and getting help if you or
a family member or friend is in need, and the work people in British Columbia are doing to address the mental health of
our youth. This presentation showed that there is hope and help for those suffering.
Potential Future Activity:
Bi-annual coordination to take place in a Whistler and Vancouver location.
Presence in Community Welcome Dinner:
Annually, volunteers of the Kelty Dennehy Foundation have hosted tables at the Community Welcome Dinner. The table
hosts, in addition to welcoming the newcomers to Whistler, ensure that they are aware of the resources that provide help
to them if stuff is getting them down. Up to 800 newcomers attend this dinner put on by the Whistler Community Services
Society.
The Foundation coordinates a welcoming table in the Foyer of the reception hall where all newcomers must pass by on their
way to the dining hall. Stuff Getting You Down promotional materials are posted and Stuff Getting You Down Youth Outreach
Workers' business cards are at each dinner table place setting. KPDF Wristbands, granola bars and snacks were distributed
by Foundation volunteers.
Potential Future Activity:
Annual presence in Community Welcome Dinner.
Canada Day Parade:
The Kelty Dennehy Foundation has annual, front of the parade, participation in the Whistler Canada Day Parade. The Foundation
sponsors the Squamish Pipe Band to lead the parade. Annually, the Foundation volunteers hand out golf invitations or wristbands
or educational information on depression.
Future Activity:
Annual event and commitment from Foundation volunteers to participate. We do need to work on an awareness or education
piece to hand out to the spectators.
Supporting people who assist those with Mental Health Issues - Greg McDonnell:
The Kelty Dennehy Foundation assisted Greg McDonnell with his tuition towards attaining a Masters in the Counseling
Program at University of Victoria. He is now the Executive Director of the Whistler Community Services Society. He hopes to open his own part-time private practice next year.
Potential activities to develop that link with Mental Health:
- Suicide Prevention Day - education on depression awareness, remove the stigma.
- Mental Health Week - education on depression awareness, remove the stigma.
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