THE SHORELINE JOURNAL - DECEMBER, 2019 - PAGE 9 MHL and CMHA Partner to Support Mental Health of Jr. A Players More than 280 players across the Maritime Junior Hockey Hockey League and Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League) will ple aren’t afraid to speak up and ask for help should they be strug- League (MHL) will benefit from mental health awareness and sui- benefit from Talk Today. gling.” cide-prevention training this season through a new partnership The CJHL and CMHAs will work toward supporting the remain- “The NHL Foundation recognizes the positive impact and long- between Canadian Mental Health Associations (CMHAs) through- ing leagues within the Canadian Junior Hockey League with Talk term value Talk Today has provided the hockey community out , New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Today over the next two years. through other development leagues and we’re pleased to have a With generous support from the NHL Foundation, this new “From the demands of schooling to the pressures of elite com- role in bringing this important initiative to teams in the CJHL,” said partnership will see CMHA’s Talk Today program made available petition and high performance, there are many factors that can af- John Sanful, Manager of the NHL Foundation. “We strive to create to all 12 teams in the MHL. fect the well-being of MHL athletes, and it’s important to us that positive change by investing in initiatives that build healthy and Talk Today is one of the most comprehensive mental health pro- they know there’s support available,” said MHL President Steve vibrant communities through hockey, and we’re pleased to sup- grams for amateur sports in Canada. It was created in 2014 and is Dykeman. “Through this partnership with CMHA, we’re making port a program that provides valuable life skills for players which now offered by more than 50 CMHAs nationwide. Talk Today has mental health education and awareness a priority for our athletes they can use beyond their playing careers.” four key elements: and the communities in which they play.” Fast facts: Mandatory evidence-based mental health and suicide aware- “Since 2014, Talk Today has created mental health conversations Talk Today was launched in 2014 and the initiative has since ness workshops for athletes that enable them to not only recog- and reduced stigma in dressing rooms, hockey rinks and commu- expanded into junior hockey leagues, high schools, colleges, uni- nize when a teammate, classmate, friend or family member may nities across Canada,” said CMHA New Brunswick Executive Di- versities and minor sports organizations across the country. be struggling, but gives them tools to speak openly about suicide rector Christa Baldwin. “Thanks to the MHL and the NHL Since 2014, more than 4,000 Talk Today participants have been and assist in getting individuals support. Foundation, we’re pleased to bring Talk Today to hundreds more trained in safeTALK, a globally recognized suicide-prevention A designated CMHA Mental Health Coach is connected to each players, team staff, families and fans, which we believe will create workshop. MHL team so that they can help in case someone with the club is positive change and save lives.” #TalkToday on social media has earned more than 62 million struggling or seeking mental health information or services. “We’ve seen the impact of Talk Today and how it can help re- impressions since 2014. MHL clubs will host Talk Today game days with related social duce stigma and normalize conversations about mental health FOR MORE INFORMATION: media activities to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associ- around the rink and in the community,” said CMHA Nova Scotia Lori Wheeler, Communications Director, CMHA New Brunswick ated with mental health and addictions issues. Executive Director Pamela Magee. “Mental health should no longer T: 506-455-5231 Ext. 110 E: [email protected] A club Mental Health Champion who works with CMHA per- be a taboo subject in sports and the expansion of Talk Today across Pamela Magee, Executive Director, CMHA Nova Scotia sonnel to help implement the training and awareness activities. the MHL will help raise awareness and provide resources to play- T: 902-466-6600 E: [email protected] The launch in the MHL is the first phase of a broader partner- ers who need it.” ship between the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), its mem- “Working with the MHL allows us to share with these players Lori Morris, Communications Coordinator, CMHA PEI ber leagues, and local and provincial CMHAs across Canada. and teams the benefits of maintaining positive mental health,” said T: 902-628-3650 E: [email protected] This year, nearly 1,000 players on almost 50 teams across four CMHA PEI Executive Director Reid Burke. “And together with all James Faulkner, Communications Director, MHL leagues (MHL, Central Canada Hockey League, Manitoba Junior our partners, Talk Today can help create environments where peo- T: 902-986-8255 E: [email protected] John Sanful, Manager, NHL Foundation T: 212-324-6132 E: [email protected] Truro Junior A Bearcats NOVEMBER - DECEMBER GAMES Visit the Bearcat website for the latest Rath Eastlink Community Centre • Community Credit Union Arena, 7:00 pm news regarding the schedule, team and the latest statistics and ticket information. Truro Jr. A Bearcats Schedule Visit:www.trurojrabearcats.ca DATE VISITORS HOME VENUE TIME Fri, Nov 29 Amherst Truro - Rath Eastlink Community Centre 7:00 pm Sat, Nov 30 South Shore Truro - Rath Eastlink Community Centre 7:00 pm Maritime Hockey League Sat, Dec 7 Pictou County Truro - Rath Eastlink Community Centre 7:00 pm www.themhl.ca Fri, Dec 13 Yarmouth Truro - Rath Eastlink Community Centre 7:00 pm Sun, Dec 15 Truro Valley - Kings Mutual Century Centre 6:00 pm Fri, Dec 20 Amherst Truro - Rath Eastlink Community Centre 7:00 pm

Coldwell Banker Open Door Realty Ltd., REALTOR® 902-893-1990, 107 Willow St., Truro NS B2N 4Z8 PETER STEELE 902-986-4240 [email protected] Best of Luck ‘Cats’ Teddy Bear Toss on an Exciting Season!

The Truro Bearcats and a plastic bag to protect it from Bible Hill Kinsmen are once the ice and snow. Once all the again teaming up to support stuffed animals are rounded Saturday, December 7 the Christmas Index Program up and tallied, they will be do- 10:00 am - 4:00 pm this season. 2019’s Teddy Bear nated to the local Christmas Tree Viewing and Toss will be held during the Index Program. 2019 Bearcats’ November 30th Last year the Teddy Bear Craft Sale game against the South Shore Toss accumulated 319 new Lumberjacks. toys for children. This season Following the Bearcats’ first the Bearcats and Kinsmen are goal of the contest, fans can once again aiming to beat that & Sunday, December 8 toss their teddy bears, or other record - with your support; plush animals, onto the ice in join them in supporting this 11:00 am - 4:00 pm The Truro Jr. A Bearcats spent some time helping out recently at celebration. The Bearcats sug- program on November 30th. Tree Viewing and the annual food dive in Truro. The ‘Cats are always happy to gest wrapping the plush toy in Game time is 7:00 PM. Craft Sale help with events supporting the community.

Stroll through Natural Balsam Fir Trees beautifully decorated for Christmas. Festive Favourites are Back Enjoy hot apple cider & gingerbread. Over 100 crafters presenting a large variety of high quality items. Purchase a $50.00 Gift Card $2 Admission to Craft Sale. & Receive a Coupon Booklet Two $50 Cash Prize Draws - Saturday and Sunday! Valued at $250+ in Savings Lunch/Refreshments Available. Wheelchair Accessible. Coat/Parcel Check. Proud contractor for MOST WANTED Our Famous Quarter Chicken served with $ stuffing, cranberry sauce, your choice of Musquodoboit Valley Education Centre/ renovations and building improvements! 49 side, 5 Lindor Chocolate Natural Resources Education Centre WHITE MEAT truffles and a Festive Go Bearcats! 13 ADD $1.80 Scratch & Win Card. 12046 / 12014 Hwy 224, FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING NEEDS 79 ROBIE STREET, TRURO Middle Musquodoboit Applicable taxes extra. Please present original coupon before ordering. [email protected] ®Reg. T.M. Cara Operations Limited. 902-384-2690 902-662-4130 / 902-899-0382 GO CATS GO! GO CATS GO! email: [email protected]