Image Courtesy of Uniquely Custom Gifts & Designs

By Chris Brown

Semicolon support

Community support making mental health association president’s heart sing

Sep 6, 2020 | 10:07 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Medicine Hat community has been shocked by an alarming number of suicides in recent weeks.

What’s not shocking is the way the community is stepping up to support the families grieving and trying to make sure those who may be suffering now and in the future can get the support they need.

“It’s making my heart sing absolutely,” says Leah Clewlow, president of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Southeast Region. “I think it’s really great that people are aware that there is an awful situation happening and they just want to really help to contribute to make our community a safer place and the generosity and the outpouring of it, is just, literally it makes my heart sing.”

There have been several young men that have died by suicide over the past couple of months while others have lost their lives to overdose.

Clewlow says fundraising for mental health hasn’t always been easy but the community is now recognizing that there is a void are trying to help fill that. She says the local CMHA has seen a spike in everything from personal donations to community businesses offering services and products to raise money and awareness.

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One such business is Uniquely Custom Gifts & Designs.

The company has created car decals with a semicolon on the left, with a stylized heartbeat and heart on the right.

The semicolon has become a symbol of solidarity and support.

Project Semicolon says the movement is “dedicated to presenting hope and love to those who are struggling with depression, suicide, addiction, and self-injury. Project Semicolon exists to encourage, love, and inspire.”

For Rheanna Van Schaick, part-owner of Uniquely Custom Gifts and Designs, the heartbeat and heart mean that your story doesn’t have to end.

No Story Should End Too Soon is on some of the decals.

Van Schaick says that she felt something needed to be done.

“I don’t personally know the people who have passed away lately but I do know some of their family,” she said. “With us coming up with this business I felt it was something that we could get behind and share. I know so many people that suffer from mental health issues, including myself. So I felt it was something we definitely needed to get involved with.”

The decals are currently available through the company’s Facebook page and will soon be available at The POST Thrift Store, which is operated by CMHA. Van Schaick says they are working with other businesses and organizations to sell them. They are $5, with half of that going to CMHA.

Last weekend Gas City Tattoos inked people with a semicolon tattoo for free, with donations going to CMHA. Clewlow says more than $4,000 was raised and planning another event is in the works.

Prairie Tumbleweed has also created and sold a Med Hat Strong decal that features a semicolon and Clewlow says Tiki Press is creating T-shirts with the design.

“There’s so many it’s really hard to think of all of (the businesses) right now and that’s great,” she says. “I’m glad that I can’t remember everyone because I mean how awesome is that, that everyone is stepping up and really just kicking butt and taking names.”

If you or someone you know is in crisis resources are available. In the case of an emergency dial 9-1-1. The Alberta Mental Health Help Line can be reached at 1-877-3030-2642. The Kids Help Phone can be reached at 1-800-668-6868.