County makes contribution to CMHA building campaign
Susan Henderson was all smiles when she met with Colchester County Mayor Christine Blair to sign a contribution agreement.
The county agreed to provide the Colchester- East Hants branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, of which Henderson is the executive director, with $100,000 to assist with the organization’s new building. A cheque for $50,000 was presented Jan. 15 and another $10,000 per year will be provided over the next five years.
“This is tremendous,” said Henderson. “The credibility it affords to the campaign when you see councillors, and the municipality as a whole, in agreement that mental health is a priority; that’s phenomenal to me. It sets a tone for our community and also for rural areas.”
The local branch of the CMHA purchased the former Bargain Shop building, at 859 Prince Street, in 2017 and launched the “Branching Out” campaign to raise funds for renovations.
“We all recognize that health is a provincial issue, and sometimes a federal issue, and there’s very little that municipal government can do to assist,” said Blair. “Mental health is crucial. Regardless of what we have in life, mental health is crucial.
“To assist with the facility is something that municipal government can do, and so our council made that decision to assist the mental health association with their new building.”
Renovations are expected to be complete in late May or early June
“I’m hoping to hold the AGM, in late June, in the building,” said Henderson. “Things seem to be on track and renovations are continuing and excitement is building.”