October 7, 2008

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) 2008 Heroes of Mental Health Awards were held on Tuesday, October 7, 2008, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm at the Masonic Memorial Temple located at 420 Corydon Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The objective of the Heroes of Mental Awards Program is to promote mental health awareness and to celebrate the victories of people who live with the effects of mental illness while acknowledging the many contributions made by individuals and organizations to the advancement of mental health.

Karen Kaplen of the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society nominated the Stople family and wrote the following:

“I would like to nominate the Stople family for Heroes of Mental Health in the category of Friend/Family and Individual. Jean Stople is a member of the Women’s Group here at the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society. Recently, both Jean and Gerald Stople celebrated their 80th birthdays. Their daughter, Tracy, organized a birthday social for this event that included a silent auction. All proceeds from the auction were donated to the MSS Walk of Hope for 2008. The family was the top fundraisers for the Walk this year raising over $4,000 for MSS. Jean is a very kind and thoughtful individual who always makes people feel at ease and encourages everyone. Gerald has been a volunteer driver for women who attend our annual Retreat and is always willing to lend a hand. Tracy did a lot of work organizing the event. For these reasons I feel the Stople family are Heroes of Mental Health.”

The Stople family was selected for this award as their efforts and achievements were commendable and greatly appreciated. In recognition of the award, they were invited to join the rest of the Heroes and mental health community at the celebration on October 7, 2008.