Brantford Bulldogs to mark 10th season of Talk Today with mental health awareness game in partnership with CMHA Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk, presented by Syngenta and Grain Farmers of Ontario
BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. – For the 10th season, the Ontario Hockey League are partnering with Canadian Mental Health Association, with the Brantford Bulldogs partnering with the Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk Branch for the first time for a mental health awareness game on Friday, February 2nd, presented by Syngenta and Grain Farmers of Ontario, when the Bulldogs take on the Sudbury Wolves at the Brantford Civic Centre.
The game day experience will have several features to promote the importance of mental health, including:
- A CMHA-run kiosk on the concourse where fans can learn more about mental health and the organization’s community-based services
- A ceremonial puck drop and photo opportunity with CMHA Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk
- Videos featuring Bulldogs players talking about the importance of mental health
- Public service announcements about mental health and CMHA Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk
- A CMHA fundraising component
This mental health awareness game marks the first season that the Brantford Bulldogs and CMHA Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk have partnered to deliver the Talk Today program. This year’s game is also presented by Syngenta and Grain Farmers of Ontario.
Originally launched by CMHA Ontario in partnership with the Ontario Hockey League during the 2014-15 season, Talk Today provides an important opportunity to address the mental health needs of athletes across Canada. Through this program, over 1,850 OHL players and over 575 coaches, billets and staff have received mental health and suicide prevention training across the league.
The key piece of the Talk Today program has been to educate players about mental health and suicide prevention. Each team is also linked to a CMHA mental health coach, who provides support and mental health resources to individuals in need.
“CMHA Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk Branch is very excited to participate in our very first “TALK TODAY Game Day”! Joining in this initiative seems so appropriate – as the stigma and discrimination that surrounds mental health issues often keep people from discussing it with their medical professionals or seeking the help they need at the times they require it most. This remains the case in 2024, it’s sad to say. Studies have shown that as many as 60% of the people coping with a mental health problem fail to seek help for fear of being labeled. This ‘TALK TODAY’ event aims to combat this stigma by starting a conversation around mental health, and encouraging everyone – especially young people – to seek help when they need it. Thank you to everyone supporting this important cause!” ,” said John Ranger, Interim Executive Director.
“The Brantford Bulldogs are proud to partner with the CMHA Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk Branch for the first time as we mark 10 seasons of partnership with the CMHA & OHL. We value character & acceptance within the Brantford Bulldogs and just as we would rally around a member of our team, we are proud to support the CMHA rally around the community in support of mental health.” – said Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Matt Turek.
About Syngenta:
Syngenta is one of the world’s leading agriculture companies, comprised of Syngenta Crop Protection and Syngenta Seeds. Our ambition is to help safely feed the world while taking care of the planet. We aim to improve the sustainability, quality and safety of agriculture with world-class science and innovative crop solutions. Our technologies enable millions of farmers around the world to make better use of limited agricultural resources. Syngenta Crop Protection and Syngenta Seeds are part of Syngenta Group with 49,000 people in more than 100 countries working to transform how crops are grown. Through partnerships, collaboration and The Good Growth Plan, we are committed to accelerating innovation for farmers and nature, striving for carbon neutral agriculture, helping people stay safe and healthy, and partnering for impact.
About Grain Farmers of Ontario:
Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers. The crops they grow cover over 6 million acres of farm land across the province, generate over $4.1 billion in production value, result in over $27 billion in economic output and are responsible for over 90,000 jobs in the province.
About Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario:
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Media contacts:
Lisa Mackay Reed Duthie
Facilitator, Mental Health Promotion & Education Manager; Broadcasting & Communications
[CMHA – Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk Branch Brantford Bulldogs Hockey Club
519-752-2998 ext. 103 905-520-8177
[email protected] [email protected]
