Our 5^th Annual Andrew Dunn Walk/Run is fast approaching.  It seems like only a short time has passed since our last event for Mental Illness Awareness Week, our Bud, Spud & Steak on Saturday, October 9^th, 2010, featuring the comedy of Big Daddy Tazz and music by Elton Adams & Grant Smadella.  This was an awesome evening with sidesplitting laughter and a great success both fundraising-wise but even more so in the message that Tazz relayed through his act about Mental Health and recovery.

Now our committee is focusing and working hard on the preparation for our walk/run on Saturday, May 7^th, 2011.  Every year we cross our finger and say a little prayer for the weather to cooperate.  We have had sun, a light rain, wind and yes-even snow.  Welcome to Manitoba!!  For this reason we are very grateful to once again have the use of One Insurance Arena in Oakbank.  We found it “very” cold in the arena last year, but have rectified this problem with the wise people at the arena that suggested that we put on the heat the day before…duh…wish we’d thought of that last year!!  Oh well, we learn something new every year and I do believe that is what life is all about, learning from our past mistakes.

All of the AndrewDunn.org committee members and volunteers are working very hard to bring the best possible event to Oakbank.  Mental Health initiatives struggle with corporate sponsors due to the stigma that surrounds the illness.  We are always so grateful to have continued support from some awesome businesses and individuals that are wise enough to recognize the importance of mental health for their selves as a business, individuals and family or friends of those that are battling to recover from mental illness such as depression or may have lost a loved one to suicide.

Our 5^th Annual Andrew Dunn Walk/Run is pleased to share that we have booked the “Gary Gach and the Banned” for our entertainment.  We are planning lots of children’s activities and some surprises!  As we get confirmations on things we will try to share more with all of you.

AndrewDunn.org is a major sponsor of two conferences this spring.  One is a national conference hosted by the Mood Disorders Association of MB at the Marlborough Hotel, March 22^nd – 24^th, 2011 named, “Mental Health Disorders: Challenges in the Workplace, Aboriginal Communities & the Criminal Justice System” and the other conference on April 7^th, 2011 is through our partnership with the HSC, “Putting a Face to Suicide”.  This is the second annual conference by the same name to bring education to professionals and front line workers as well as the individuals recovering from mental health issues.  There will be a free public lecture and panel of professionals on the evening of Wednesday, May 6^th, 2011.  (Please see the attached information and registration forms on this website.)

Please watch for our finalized walk/run poster and registration form for the current year’s event.  See you there…rain or shine!!