Mental health musical fundraiser returning via Sarnia Speaks

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A musical event raising money for local mental health supports for youth is returning this fall.

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Sarnia Speaks, Music and Mental Health, is returning with part two after raising $2,000 for St. Clair Child and Youth Services in 2024, said Danielle Catton, who founded the open-forum dialogue series in 2016.

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The pivot last year, from panel talks to people sharing stories about their struggles with mental health and performing songs with special meaning to them, was relatively last-minute but went well, she said.

“It was like the end of August, and we threw it together” in time for an October show, said Catton.

The 600-seat Sarnia theatre was a little more than half full, she said.

Tickets recently went on sale for this year’s show, featuring 13 performers during about two hours, with an intermission, she said, noting sales have been strong so far.

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“I’ve had people messaging me saying ‘Oh, I got my front-row tickets,’” Catton said. “There’s a hype around it this year, for sure.”

Hopes are to sellout the Oct. 3 event, she said, noting the premise is about building empathy and understanding, and encouraging others to recognize and accept mental health challenges and supports.

“And of course, the more people that show up, the more we can raise for a really great cause,” Catton said.

Money raised in 2024 helped support St. Clair Child and Youth Services clients who need help with travel and food bills, said agency executive director Craig McKenzie.

St. Clair Child and Youth announced an intensive outreach treatment program late last year to help clients with complex needs get more supports.

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“Quite often we hear about people who are stretched thin financially . . . (and) it’s hard to talk about mental wellness when some of your more immediate, basic needs aren’t being met,” McKenzie said.

St. Clair Child and Youth has long been a participant and partner with Sarnia Speaks, he said, noting Music and Mental Health is helping more people understand the importance of mental health.

“It really helps to kind of reframe the mental health challenge, not as a weakness or a source of shame, but just a natural part of the human experience,” McKenzie said.

Catton, who also works for St. Clair Child and Youth Services, said this year’s performers, aside from her, are also new, and hopes are to continue giving more people a chance every year to share their stories and voices.

Songs are rehearsed, but what people share about their context and importance is up to them, she said.

“Last year, we had performers write things they wanted to say and decided last minute, ‘I’m going to let my song speak for itself,’” she said.

Tickets and details are available at imperialtheatre.net.

tkula@postmedia.com

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