Attending the upcoming conference on suicide and depression in Olds could help save your life or someone you know, says the driving force behind The Conversation Has To Happen...Again.
In fact, one of this year’s speakers was a former attendee and has that exact message to convey during the Sept. 8 free conference.
“People tell me ‘you’ve saved my life. I don’t have a dollar to my name and never could have afforded to come. You’ve given me hope,'” said Andrea Hawiuk who once again organized the event with a few key people.
Intended as a one-off event to generate discussion and connect people in the community after a spate of suicides, the conference is now in its third year.
The one-day event is an opportunity for people to gain hope and comfort through the availability of resources and relatable speakers.
Hawiuk said speakers are chosen very carefully to ensure an impactful day.
“(The speakers) have to have walked in those shoes. They don’t get up there and read from a piece of paper. It’s coming from a place within,” said Hawiuk.
Kevin Hines is one of those speakers, she said.
In September 2000, Hines leapt off the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, a method of suicide attempt that has resulted in the death of most of the estimated 2,000 people who have made that jump since the bridge was erected in 1937.
Hines survived.
His story is one of pain, coping, support and hope.
Local Peter Premachuk brings the perspective of those left behind after his brother hanged himself.
Kathy Kemmere will be talking about grief and Hawiuk’s own bother, Roy Gunderson, will be speaking on adversity.
Kellie Cummings will be giving insight on domestic violence while Lindsay Rendleman is a past participant dealing with her own mental health as well as the suicide of a friend.
Bob Mckenzie will conclude the day with what Hawiuk hopes will be a message of hope.
“We really want to leave people with a message of hope. That’s what all of this is about,” she said.
The day is also about connecting, she said.
Although there is a lot of help and support available “just a click away,” Hawiuk said it’s no match for a face-to-face interaction.
“I hope they leave and they find people they can talk to and on the other hand that people will give others an ear. Listen, face to face, feel that emotion, see that emotion. You can’t get a hug on the phone or computer. Let’s connect people.”
The community has rallied around Hawiuk and her mission.
Thousands of dollars are raised each year through donations and sponsorships, allowing the event to be available to participants for free, including meals and refreshments.
“It’s very well accepted in this town and without those donations, we wouldn’t be able to put this on barrier-free for people,” she said.
Further donations and sponsorships are always welcomed, she added, with cheques payable to Hope, at 405-5100, 52nd St. Olds, Alta., postal code T4H 1Y1.
While the event is free, participants are asked to register for planning purposes. Registration will be taken up to Friday, Aug. 31 by phoning 403-335-3006 or emailing [email protected]
