“Wine Women & Wellness” was a HUGE success in Moncton last night

CMHA Moncton Branch Presents
“Wine Women & Wellness”

The 5th annual Wine, Women, and Wellness took place on January 25th, 2008. It was an uplifting evening of warmth and sharing in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association - Moncton. A total of $50,000. was raised by a group of 500 women gathered last night at Hotel Beausejour. Scotiabank matched the first $15,000.bringing the total to over $65,000. for mental health promotion and education.

Wine Women & Wellness arose out of a snowstorm and a family's loss. The January 2001 snowstorm meant Helen MacDonnell couldn't get out for a break. Instead she hit upon the idea of a January party - wine, women, and treats. She invited 20 friends, had a blast, and repeated it in 2002. There would be no party in 2003. Helen's brother, Duncan, committed suicide that month. She realized - too late - he suffered from bi-polar disorder, something she knew little about. So began her journey to better understand mental health disorders. She was astounded to learn how common mental illnesses are and how stigma and lack of awareness prevents sufferers from receiving help.

In January 2004, the first Wine Women & Wellness was held at Helen's Riverview home, where 54 women gathered to laugh, cry, share stories and the positive energy only a group of women can create. That night, over $1200 was raised and donated to the Canadian Mental Health Association - Moncton.

The event has grown each year, from 100 women and $2500 in 2005 to 175 women and more than $15,000 in 2006. Last January, with donations from 300 guests and generous corporate sponsorships, almost $50,000 was raised for the work of CMHA - Moncton.

Welcome to an event founded on the notion we all deserve an occasional break and the belief much more can be done to support mental health consumers and educate loved ones - in other words, every one of us.

Trio Carte Blanche did great job at entertaining the crowd before, between, and after the presentations. Their relaxing style of jazz, bebop, and crooning kept the atmosphere relaxed and pleasant.

The first guest speaker was Stella, a 21 year old, Halifax native who was diagnosed with bi-polar while in her late teens. She now works to break down stigma by giving presentations to high school and university students about her experiences. Stella joined this event thanks to Laing House and Project Youth Speak.

The second speaker, Pam Mood, delivered an dynamic, energetic, and humorous presentation. Hailing from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, she travels extensively to speaking engagements conducting workshops on everything from drug use to bullying to personal and professional development, effective communication and stress management. The CEO of Mood Coaching and Consulting and mother of three, Pam ensures the aim of her presentations - "Challenging Your Potential" - is delivered.

The generous sponsors were Scotiabank, Medavie Blue Cross, Sun Life Financial, Shoppers Drug Mart, McInnes Cooper lawyers/avocats, ProTem Health Services Inc., Choix du Sommelier Selection, Deja Vu Digital Photo, Delta Beausejour, Escape Spa, InColor Inc, Lilly, Lounsbury Group, NeoStrata Canada, and MRM Consultants.