Members in the news

How our members are growing Halifax

CMHA NS ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Board of Director of the Canadian

Mental Health Association Nova

Scotia Division announced the appointment of Karn Nichols as Executive Director. She will be welcomed on July 12, 2021. With a deep compassion for those struggling with mental health and addiction, Karn brings more than 25 years of leadership experience, in both the “for profit” and “for impact” sectors. She looks forward to collaborating with key partners around the province and across Canada to re-imagine mental health care for the future.

VIA RAIL’S OCEAN SERVICE TO RESUME

VIA Rail Canada is resuming its Ocean services starting August 11th, following the hiatus due to COVID-19. The return will occur progressively beginning with one weekly round trip. Although VIA Rail will continue to deploy strict pandemic restrictions, they are excited to provide this service again. “To follow and respect guidelines and recommendations from public health authorities and provincial government, we could not provide our passengers the service and frequencies offered under normal circumstances,” said Cynthia Garneau, President & CEO. “Our objective has always been the safe resumption of the Ocean when conditions allowed it, and we could not be happier to be able to finally proceed with the gradual return to service in this region.”

CENTRE NAMED TO HONOUR PRESIDENT EMERITA DR. SHEILA A. BROWN Mount Saint Vincent University

(MSVU)named its Centre for Applied Research in recognition of former President, Dr. Sheila A. Brown. Opened in 2018, the Centre is home to researchers breaking ground in areas of human health. “I can think of no more fitting gesture to recognize Dr. Brown’s significant support of MSVU than naming this key research centre in her honour,” said Dr. Ramona Lumpkin, CM, Interim President & Vice-Chancellor of MSVU. “She was an exemplary leader during her tenure as MSVU President and her dedication to the university has been unwavering since. We are deeply grateful for Dr. Brown’s continued commitment to the MSVU community.” Recently, Dr. Brown and her husband made a significant financial commitment to the university, cementing an everlasting relationship with the Mount.

KIDS’ HELP PHONE PEER-TO-PEER COMMUNITY

Kids’ Help Phone hears daily from young people who often feel they are alone, as it relates to their issues. Now, a new virtual, moderated and supported community created by youth is finally here. The Peer-to-Peer Community is a bilingual, online mental health support forum available across Canada. Youth can anonymously share their personal experiences, offer inspiration and ask questions to connect, comfort and cheer each other on. Kids Help Phone collaborated with hundreds of youths, aged 16 to 26 across Canada, to co-create this platform. With input every step of the way, young people can now navigate support through the “community” with their peers.

NOVA SCOTIA’S COMMUNITY HAUL CELEBRATES ONE YEAR

Nova Scotia’s Community Haul has been helping boost the local economy for one full year with its local subscription boxes, delivered all over Canada and locally every month. It has helped give back $275,000 to the local economy, raised over $30,00 for the IWK Foundation, supported over 70 local businesses (and counting), and helped support two social enterprises. Without its loyal subscribers, Community Haul could not have made this much of an impact, and the team can’t wait for what the future has in store for them and the Nova Scotian subscription box service. Visit communityhaul.ca for more info.

FAMILY KNIFE JOINS CMA JUDGES

The Family Knife is proud to congratulate Joel Kelly, President, on his selection as a judge for the Canadian Marketing Association’s 2021 Awards. Joel joins marketing and creative leaders from across the country to award and celebrate the country’s best marketing work in this prestigious annual event.

THE ARMOUR GROUP LIMITED EXPANDS WESTWAY PARK

The Armour Group Ltd. is breaking ground on Westway IV for the next expansion phase of its Westway Park community in West Bedford. Responding to the strength of the Halifax market and the desirability of expanding the urban village in a suburban setting, construction of this six-storey building is expected to be complete by summer 2022. Tenants of the building can take in the view of the Bedford Basin, while enjoying modern, light-filled office spaces with Wi-fi throughout, augmented by shared spaces for collaboration, dining, fitness and outdoor activates.

BUNNYPLACE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS

Bunnyplace at Upper Clements

Park celebrated their 20th anniversary. What was once a dream, of Margaret and Gary Mailman, is now a camp that provides people an opportunity to explore Southwest Nova Scotia year-round. In 2001, the first three cottages were constructed. Then two years later, they built four more. During that time, an in-ground heated pool, a playground, goats, and free roaming bunnies were also added for the guest’s enjoyment. In 2011, the RV Park was set up. After Margaret and Gary retired in 2016, they sold it all (including the bunnies) to Nathalie and Martin-Henri Villeneuve who now have the pleasure of bringing this gem to higher levels.

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CAMPERS GET TO EXPERIENCE CAMP TIDNISH FROM HOME

Easter Seals Nova Scotia re-introduced ‘Camp in a Box’ as a way to bring Camp Tidnish to our registered campers at home this summer. Camp Tidnish is a barrier-free and fully accessible summer camp for Nova Scotian children, youth, and adults with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. Unfortunately, with public health restrictions we are unable to open Camp Tidnish. To say this was one of the hardest decisions we had to make is an understatement. However, we’re able to deliver a ‘Camp in a Box’ care package to campers, filled with many of their favourite Camp Tidnish summer activities such as scavenger hunts, trivia, crafts, and treats. Learn more about Camp Tidnish on our website.

ACCESSIBLE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CLIENTS

Access Acupuncture of Dartmouth is actively collaborating with North Halifax incontinence treatment Centre, SheSpot. Working together, they’re able to give a seamless multi-therapy approach to consenting clients, who require more than one treatment modality, despite being separate practices. More than just a referral arrangement, the clinics share and review their mutual client charts using the same management software platform. This makes it efficient as well as reassuring for clients. For the clinics, the platform generates new business through cross-pollination. The big win-win for everyone: enhanced client results.

INTENTIONAL OUTCOMES PROVIDES MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT Intentional Outcomes Counselling

clinic facilitates individual and couples work through a variety of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues and various traumas. Using current evidence-based treatment plans, the clinic effectively helps achieve desired results. It helps strengthen coping strategies and add to the toolbox. Combating mental health with an act of self-love is so important and focusing on wellness is how one continues to thrive. While the clinic still maintains sessions online, the team is examining a return to in-person sessions.

CELEBRATING BLUENOSE 100TH ANNIVERSARY WITH SPECIAL EVENT

In celebration of the Bluenose 100th Anniversary, Smarter Space has begun working with Bluenose II Operations Director Anne Bailly and Captain Watson to create a memorable experience. Any interested enthusiast will have the opportunity to attend a 3D Virtual Tour of Bluenose II, allowing them to travel around the world to explore Nova Scotia’s sailing ambassador from the comfort of their home. The virtual tour provides 360-degree views, videos, historic photos and aerial shots of picturesque Lunenburg and its harbourfront. The tour can be viewed any time at bluenose.novascotia. ca/virtual-tour. Dan MacIntosh and Colin Gillis, owners of Smarter Spaces, will be joining in to be part of this Canadian icon’s story.

A NEW WAY FOR YOUR TEAM TO CREATE IMPACT

The Unity Values Foundation’s Wish List Program is set up to allow individuals and teams to create their own campaign to support and supply any charities with the items they need. The items ship directly to the charity, or teams can volunteer to pack the kits themselves as a team building activity. This is a tremendous opportunity to create an impact for your the community. The Unity Values Foundation has a mission to change the world based on the values of individual people. Visit the website to learn more!

LUNG ASSOCIATION YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL

Lung disease impacts people of all ages, while youth smoking and vaping continue to be issues that need to be addressed. We are pleased to have input from our Lung Association of Nova Scotia (LANS) Youth Advisory Council to help address lung health issues that impact youth. One of our first members of the LANS Youth Advisory Council (YAC), is our current council Chair Person, Lola Velden. Lola has suffered from asthma since she was a child, and she also attended Camp Treasure Chest, our summer camp for kids with lung disease. We are grateful to this amazing group of young individuals for their contributions to lung health in Nova Scotia. For more information, please visit www.ns.lung.ca

COUNTLESS JOURNEYS NEW PODCAST SEASON

Countless Journeys is releasing a new season of its podcast focused on immigration in Canada. Pier 21 created Countless Journeys to highlight the museum’s unique content by connecting Canadians to personal stories of immigration. Drawn from the museum’s collections and interviews, these stories remind us that as a country shaped by immigration, we are all deeply impacted by it. Regardless of the time period, these stories contribute to the collective experience of what it means to be a Canadian. Season two will share stories of how immigrants from a wide background of countries and cultures contribute to this country daily.