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Students Pack Into School

Project Packs PAC

Sep 28, 2018 | 6:00 PM

Nearly 1,300 students and teachers from elementary, middle and high schools in Armstrong, Lumby and Vernon will attend performances of The Robb Nash Project next Monday and Tuesday at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre.

The award-winning Canadian musician has reached over one-million young people over the last ten years of touring.

The show explores sensitive topics such as suicide, addiction, self harm, and other mental-health related subjects.

Tickets are still available for the October 3 community performance at 7 pm.

“This is a great experience for parents to take part in with their teens,” said Julia Payson, Executive Director of Vernon branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association.

“In British Columbia, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for youth aged 15 to 24. Nearly a quarter of the young people we lose each year is due to suicide. The impact of these tragedies on the lives of so many families in our province is immeasurable,” said Payson.

Robb Nash’s inspiring story has prompted hundreds of youth across Canada to give up their suicide notes to him. Many others who self-harm gave up their razor blades, while countless more have relinquished bottles of pills and other drugs.

“We need to ensure a healthy, hopeful future for our youth. They deserve the best we can give them. Having Robb Nash in our community is an amazing opportunity for parents and their teens to share in a meaningful and hopefully life-changing experience,” said Payson.

Following a life threatening car accident, Nash found himself dealing with unimaginable mental and physical pain, enduring years of anger, self-doubt, and depression. He discovered his purpose and passion, and began reaching out to young people through rock music and lyrics, encouraging them to explore their own meaning and purpose in a language they understood.

Through personal stories, humour, songs and videos, Nash sensitively deals with serious issues, focusing on examples of victory and hope.

He and his band tour the country performing in schools, detention centres, reserves and other youth venues as part of a 150 date per year tour.

The Robb Nash Project takes place October 3 at the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre at 7 pm.

Tickets are $20 per person for adults, $5 for students (available at the door) and $45 for VIP tickets with a Q&A with Robb Nash.

Event proceeds from the October 3 show will support the Robb Nash Project and CMHA Vernon & District.