The Balancing Our Minds Youth Summit (BOM Summit) was a free, one-day event for high school aged youth in British Columbia to learn about mental health, engage in fun activities and participate in thoughtful dialogue.
The event was organized by BC Children’s Hospital with support from the Canucks for Kids Fund and the Kelty Mental Health Centre.
The 2016 event took place recently at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC with the main focus on connecting and creating youth-driven dialogue to increase knowledge about mental health and substance use and decrease stigma towards individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
Ria Jade had the opportunity to share an inspiring message to over 2000 youth in attendance and perform her original song, Snowflakes, which she wrote in 2015 in memory of Amanda Todd and in support of World Mental Health Day and the Amanda Todd Legacy Staying Strong.
Another highlight of the BOM Summit was the Presentation of the Kelty Champion of Wellness Awards which were given to three youth: Rylee McKinley, ‘For Sharing Your Story’; Shilpa Narayan, ‘For Supporting Others’; and Ria Jade, for ‘Community Involvement’.
They received medals and Vancouver Canucks jerseys from the Canucks For Kids Fund represented at the summit by Alex Burrows, professional ice hockey right winger and an alternate captain for the Vancouver Canucks of the NHL; Wes Rypien, brother of Canucks Rick Rypien who we lost to depression; and TC Carling, Vice President, Hockey Administration, Entertainment and Content for the Vancouver Canucks.
During the last February 13th, Vancouver Canucks-Toronto Maple Leafs home game, Ria and Shilpa were given complimentary tickets to the big game at the Rogers Arena during which they were recognized on the big screen as Hammer’s Heroes by Dan Hamhuis, Canucks Defenseman, who founded Hammer’s Heroes.
The Hammer’s Heroes Award is given to youth who exercise leadership and make a difference in their community.
