Concert Benefits Youth Programs

By Corey Fischer

Aug 28, 2018 | 6:30 AM

Andrew Allen Backyard Concert organizer Nadine Laraway-Toop (L) presented a cheque to Julia Payson, Executive Director for Canadian Mental Health Association, Vernon & District Branch. Funds will be designated to local youth mental health programs.

A backyard concert featuring Andrew Allen raised funds for young people dealing with mental health issues.

The benefit and silent auction earlier this month was in memory of Jordan Mooney who died in May, and was organized by Lavington resident Nadine Laraway-Toop who wanted to do something to help Mooney’s mother.

“By raising money for youth mental health programs we can honour Jordan’s memory while helping youth in our community so other parents don’t have to go through that pain,” says Laraway-Toop

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Thirty-five hundred dollars was raised for the Vernon branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Andrew Allen performed along with Olivia Penalva and Taylor McKnight on August 17th.

“When a family and a community loses a young person, it fractures so many lives,” says Julia Payson, Executive Director for CMHA Vernon & District. “Coming together as a community to remember Jordan and to support local mental health is a healing tribute. This is how we end stigma and when stigma ends, people can feel empowered to get the help they need.”

Payson says the funds will be designated to early intervention for mental wellness and suicide prevention programs for youth at CMHA.

“Funds will support the Super Saturday Youth Mental Health Program which provides youth aged seven to 12 with confidence and social skills development through fun-filled and educational activities, and the Friday Night Live Program which provides youth aged 13 to 17 with a supportive environment to learn life skills, build a peer support network and take part in recreational activities,” says Payson.

Payson thanks Laraway-Toop for organizing and hosting the event and to everyone for their support, from the performers, to the many businesses who donated items for the silent auction.

by Corey Fischer