Bravery Blends hopes to aid stress victims

PTSD AFFLICTS MANY FIRST RESPONDERS, ETC.

After a busy day at work, a steaming coffee or tea may help you relax. But some Canadians face unhealthy levels of stress on the job.

If you’re a paramedic, a firefighter or a police officer, there may be some incidents you’ll never forget. You could become the latest victim of post-traumatic stress disorder.

And you’d need help. That’s the reason a Lethbridge woman is launching Bravery Blends coffee and tea, to support initiatives aimed at dealing with the disorder.

Heather Heystek, who’s witnessed that trauma as a civilian RCMP staff member, wants to generate ongoing funds for Wounded Warriors Canada. She has attended its seminars in Alberta, she says, and believes in its work.

While it was founded to help returned soldiers and veterans overcome the disorder, she points out, it now works with first responders and their partners as well.

Heystek’s plan is to donate $1 from the sale of each package of organic, fair-trade coffee and tea to the organization. Police and paramedic agencies have express interest in purchasing Bravery Blends beverages.

She began by commissioning a video to explain the issue and her response. Lethbridge first responders were pleased to take part.

“We were given so much support from both Lethbridge city police and Lethbridge fire services,” she says.

They are “very strong supporters of mental-health awareness.”

Now, Heystek says, she’s moved on to a fundraising phase. Through the “BoostR” crowd-funding program at ATB Financial, she’s attempting to raise $10,000 to cover startup costs.

While she’s already collaborated with Cuppers Coffee to select specific blends to roast, Heystek says she still needs to work on package design, distribution procedures and other details.

Once production begins, she adds, there will also be retail outlets offering Bravery Blends to the general public.

Meanwhile, she can be contacted at www.braveryblends.com

The immediate goal, Heystek says, is to raise the full amount required by Aug. 10. With the ATB initiative, she explains, it’s an all-ornothing outcome.

Based on her experience, she knows how crucial it is to provide post-trauma support promptly when it’s needed. Heystek’s time with the RCMP includes several years at the detachment in Meyerthorpe.

“I was there in 2005,” when four officers were ambushed and killed.

“The trauma left behind was truly the inspiration for this business.”