Often people don't even realize the contributions they are making to a community and those around them.
The North Battleford Branch Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan sponsored the Champions of Mental Health Awards Banquet to make sure those who contribute to mental health in the Battlefords don't go unrecognized.
"We want to celebrate people and organizations, not just nurses, who give that little bit extra of themselves to improve the quality of life for people who have been marginalized and stigmatized for so long," said Shirley Bedford during the awards presentation.
Six awards were presented Saturday evening including a special honorary presentation to Len Taylor. He became an MLA in 1988 and has been a part of local and provincial politics up until 2011. In 2006, he was the Saskatchewan Health Minister and strongly backed the movement towards Saskatchewan Hospital and mental health issues in the province. He remains active in working with those living with mental health and for those reason's Taylor was surprised with the award.
"I came tonight because I am very much supportive of the work that is being done in this community on behalf of the people living their lives with mental health issues," said Taylor, who explains how he is learning more about people with mental health issues and trying to live in their shoes in a way that many people don't have a chance to.
"It has made me feel even stronger about the issue we have in this community as we need people to continue to work together and to ensure that in this growing community. I am very grateful for the work that the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan has been doing with this program recognizing people in this community."
Taylor finished by saying, "I hope all of you will feel like you are sharing some of award because it is you in the community that got me interested in doing some of the things I did to support the things that you were doing," as he received a standing ovation from the large crowd at the Knights of Columbus Hall.
Other award winners on the evening were Super 8 motel and manager Thomas Schwab, Kevin Sabraw, Michael Prystupa, Judy Lavoie and the North Battleford Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Schwab was presented with the Supportive Employer Award for his volunteer efforts throughout the community.
"He is always trying to make the community a better place," said Bedford.
The Mental Health Employee Award was presented to Sabraw, who has been involved with mental health for more than 20 years and has made several contributions to mental health patients in the Battlefords.
The other Mental Health Employee Award was presented to Prystupa, who started as a volunteer at Saskatchewan Hospital more than 20 years ago and is described as a funny, enthusiastic co-worker. He is known to make the time with co-workers and patients fly by due to his personality.
The Mental Health Volunteer award was presented to Lavoie. She was raised by her parents, two psychiatric nurses, and has followed their path in her own life while helping those in the community who suffer from mental illness. Lavoie is described as a someone who has a "limitless supply of compassion and she empowers people with that."
Bedford also said Lavoie was humbled by the award because there are many unsung heroes in this community.
The Community Based Mental Health Organization Award was resented to Jane Zielke representing the North Battleford Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. The association has been part of Battlefords since early 1960s and has had dedicated individuals volunteer to promote mental health in the Battlefords. The association also provides programs and services supporting individuals with mental illness.
Along with the awards presentation, entertainment was provided by Dean Jenkinson and a delicious supper was provided by Second 2 None Catering.
