Petes to mark 10th season of Talk Today with mental health awareness game in partnership with CMHA Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge, presented by Syngenta and Grain Farmers of Ontario
For the 10th season, the Peterborough petes are partnering with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), and the CMHA Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge Branch for a mental health awareness game on Thursday, February 1, presented by Syngenta and Grain Farmers of Ontario, when the Petes take on the Oshawa Generals at the PMC.
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 the CMHA Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge Branch
- Videos featuring Petes players talking about the importance of mental health
- Public service announcements about mental health and the CMHA Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge Branch
- A CMHA fundraising component
This mental health awareness game marks 10 seasons that Petes and CMHA Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge 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.
“Over a decade ago, we launched a mental health initiative in Peterborough with the Petes, little knowing its growth. Evolving into the ‘Talk Today’ program, there is now mandatory mental health training for all players in major junior hockey and immediate support when needed. CMHA HKPR takes pride in our partnership with the OHL and the Peterborough Petes in this endeavor”,” said Jack Veitch, Manager of Community Engagement and Education/Peterborough Petes Mental Health Coach.
“The Petes are extremely excited to partner with CMHA Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge for the 10th edition of the Talk Today mental health program and game night. Initiatives like Talk Today are so important to the growth of our players off the ice and in continuing to destigmatize mental health by creating opportunities to bring these issues to the forefront” said Adam King, Director of Marketing for the Peterborough Petes.
“Mental wellness is a priority area of focus for Grain Farmers of Ontario as we look to help Ontario grain farmers struggling with mental health issues and to remove any stigma still associated with talking about mental health or seeking help,” said Paul Hoekstra, Vice President, Strategic Development, at Grain Farmers of Ontario. “A program like the OHL and CMHA’s Talk Today helps start much-needed conversations and educate people about mental health issues. We are thrilled to partner with Syngenta and the OHL to provide this vital program.”
“Hockey is a part of many farming communities, so it’s natural for us to get involved in such an important cause,” said Norm Sutherland, District Manager, Syngenta Canada. “At Syngenta, we prioritize mental wellbeing for our employees and for our customers. Just as mental health should be talked about in the dressing room, it’s a necessary discussion on the farm, where daily stresses can take their toll. We’re grateful to work alongside CMHA, the OHL, and Grain Farmers of Ontario to elevate the mental health conversation and provide support in rinks and farming communities across the province.”
Tickets for the game are available now by clicking here, or by visiting the Grant Thornton Box Office. Act now to ensure you get the best seats available.
The Petes are back in action on Thursday, February 1, when they host the rival Oshawa Generals for the final time this season. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the PMC. Fans can get tickets by clicking here, or by visiting the Grant Thornton Box Office. The game will also be broadcasted on YourTV Peterborough and Freq 90.5.