Juno Award winner and mental health advocate Serena Ryder headlines this year’s Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care’s virtual gala.
Presented by TD Bank Group, the Shine the Light fundraiser Nov. 5 aims to raise $100,000 with proceeds supporting seniors at the hospital to allow care and treatment where they are most comfortable.
“The challenges of COVID-19 highlighted the need for us to be caring for the primary care and mental health care needs of patients at the same time, and in the setting where they are most comfortable,” Dr. Kevin Young, geriatrician and Waypoint medical director (integrated care), said in a release.
“When people are sick, the last thing they want to do is have to move," said Young, who previously served as a geriatrician at Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital. "Being able to purchase specialized equipment and technology will allow us to provide accessible, high quality care right here at the hospital.”
The evening can be enjoyed two ways, with the purchase of premium tickets, or with a free guest pass.
For $125, premium ticket holders will enjoy a gourmet meal by Feast Catering delivered right to their home, dinner music provided by local musicians, local radio personalities Carey Moran and Jason McCoy as the evening’s hosts, an online auction and an exclusive live Q&A with Ryder.
All guests can join for free and enjoy music from local musicians and hear Ryder’s story in words and music.
A 2021 inductee to Canada’s Walk of Fame, Ryder’s raw and earnest songwriting and beautifully electric live performances have made her a favourite among fans, peers and critics alike.
She has been playing guitar and penning songs since she was a teenager. On the outside, she was a rising international star, but on the inside, she was battling a deep depression that triggered an identity crisis and onstage panic attacks.
In her powerful keynote, Ryder will share through words and music the difficult path she took to regain her health and how she rediscovered her voice, both as a performer, and an advocate for those living with mental illness.
To purchase tickets or register for a free guest pass, please visit https://givergy.ca/WCMHC or Waypoint.
To learn about being involved as an event sponsor, contact Shelly Price at [email protected].
