WELLINGTON COUNTY – Wellington County’s life promotion and suicide prevention project is recognizing the efforts of a Centre Wellington councillor’s actions contributing to their goal.
Here4Hope is awarding Neil Dunsmore with the inaugural Power of One award based on the Steps to Stop the Silence project which saw the councillor walk from Elora to Ottawa over the course of September.
Dunsmore made the walk to spread a message of not staying silent about mental illness and suicide.
Dunsmore also raised funds for the Cody Sheppard Project, which is an Elora-based organization which supports families affected by mental health and suicide.
“I am honoured to be the first recipient of the Power of One award from Here4Hope,” Dunsmore said in a press release.
“I didn’t realize how much strength I took from others in my life. It made me realize how important we are to each other and solidified why we should reach out often.”
Cecilia Marie Roberts, project lead with Here4Hope, said in a press release that their goal takes a whole community approach to work.
“This means that service providers, organizations and individuals all have a role to play,” Roberts said.
“Neil’s walk exemplifies the power of one. The difference and impact one person can make in creating awareness, connection and hope.”
A press release from Here4Hope says that going forward, recipients of this award will demonstrate the following qualities: commitment, leadership and compassion around life promotion and suicide prevention.
Nominations will be accepted from members of the Wellington County community. More information can be found at their website.
The award will be presented each year on Sept. 10 which is World Suicide Prevention Day.
