Nipissing University students want to “Break the Ice on Mental Health” by supporting mental health through sport.
Students in the sports marketing program are raising money to support two specific groups whose primary focus is to help people deal with mental health issues.
“Every year we have a community partner and campus partner that we raise funds for. This year it is the Community Counselling Centre of Nipissing and NU Listens, which is our own campus mental health initiative to support students,” explained Nipissing University student Hannah Mackie.
This Friday, the two Laker’s hockey teams will hit the ice helping to raise money for the cause.
The marketing students organized fundraising initiatives leading up to the games, which includes the sale of “Break the Ice” tee shirts and toques.
“I think for people our age a lot of the time it is about having that conversation about mental health and realizing you are not alone,” said Mackie.
“I feel like a lot of university students take on a lot by themselves. So, for me, I think it is important to have those conversations, to check in on your friends, check in with your peers and make sure we’re really supporting each other and having those conversations before they develop into bigger mental health issues and illnesses.”
Classmate Myah Burns agrees that it is very important to mental health services on campus.
“Obviously as a student, we struggle a lot with mental health, especially around exam time. So just knowing that these services are available gives me comfort because I feel like I’m not alone, and I always have someone there to listen, no matter how I’m feeling. It is great to have that because no one deserves to feel alone.”
The hockey doubleheader takes place Friday, November 22 at Memorial Gardens. The women play at 5:00 p.m. followed by the men play at 7:30 p.m.
The goal this year is to raise $10,000.
“It is a lofty goal but last year we raised around 8 or 9 thousand dollars, so we are always trying to go up,” said Mackie.
“We have a really supportive community and people who take care of each other, so we’re hoping to continue that this year and really give back to the people that make a difference in our community.”
