Image from mentalwellnessmatters.ca

By Chris Brown

Local groups putting on March 20 event

Theo Fleury to speak at Framing a Pathway Forward, present messages of hope

Mar 3, 2021 | 12:28 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Theo Fleury will be the keynote speaker at Framing a Pathway Forward, a virtual day-long event that aims to help the community find a path toward healing through hope-focused messages.

The event will take place on March 20 and has been put together by Canadian Mental Health Association of Alberta Southeast Region (CMHA ASER), Medicine Hat & District Food Bank, Our Collective Journey and For all the Brothers.

The groups got together last month to produce the event, recognizing the need to focus on healing and meet people wherever they may be on their journey to discover a pathway forward in life.

“Coming together with the three other organizations and working toward the same common goal has been a tremendous experience for all of us,” says Sandra Milne, executive director of CMHA ASER. “We are grateful that Theo has agreed to share his story and that our other speakers can also offer insight on the word ‘hope’ and how to focus on the pathway forward. We have topics that will resonate with a wide variety of people, which was one of the main goals when we discussed the vision for this event.

Fleury is a former NHL all-star with the Calgary Flames. In his autobiography Playing With Fire, Fleury detailed the abuse suffered at the hands of former junior hockey coach Graham James. Fleury has dedicated much of his time after retiring from hockey to advocating for and otherwise helping abuse victims.

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“Theo Fleury is a leading voice in Canada for relational trauma who’s team is working on destigmatizing the shame associated with trauma by encouraging relationships, conversations and a holistic approach to mental wellness,” reads a release from CMHA ASER. “Theo’s presentation is titled The Power of Me Too. It’s a captivating and emotional talk that helps provide hope which is the main focus of the event.”

Fleury will speak at noon. The event runs from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

The lineup for the rest of the day includes other speakers with lived experience about coming out of the darkness, a panel discussion on getting help and musical performances.

Organizers are asking public locations such as restaurants or pubs to consider having their TVs tuned in to the stream during the day.

People can log-in for the entire day or a few sessions.

Visit mentalwellnessmatters.ca for more on the event including the live link.