Flash mob dances in Charlottetown for mental-health awareness
John Mazerolle | CBC News | Posted: October 6, 2016 8:00 PM | Last Updated: October 6, 2016
National Mental Illness Awareness Week runs until Oct. 9
A group of Islanders in yellow shirts and high spirits descended on Victoria Row in Charlottetown Thursday to dance to Funkytown and to promote National Mental Illness Awareness Week.
The lyrics to the disco-era hit by Lipps Inc. include, "Well, I talk about it, talk about it, talk about it," fitting for a week meant to fight the stigma around mental illness.
Similar flash mobs were planned for across the country, the Canadian Mental Health Association said in news release.
The week is an annual public education campaign "designed to help open the eyes of Canadians to the reality of mental illness and end the stigma associated with it," the association said.
About 15 people took part on the pedestrians-only street, as passersby looked on or recorded the smiling dancers. The dancers' shirts read, "Mental health for all".
People interested in the Canadian Mental Health Association and its programs can call (902) 566-3034 or visit the website at www.pei.cmha.ca.
People interested in the Canadian Mental Health Association and its programs can call (902) 566-3034 or visit the website at www.pei.cmha.ca.
- MORE P.E.I. NEWS | 'This is hugely important': Getting 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in plebiscite
- MORE P.E.I. NEWS | School overcrowding fix can't be delayed, meeting told