Group plans fundraiser
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/09/2023 (921 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The Brandon-born Shaina Strong movement is gearing up for an awareness fundraiser on Oct. 21.
“Shaina Strong is dedicated to promoting awareness and education surrounding the critical issues of bullying, harassment and suicide,” the movement’s founder, Donna Hayden, told the Sun. “Over the years, the movement has extended its reach from Brandon to as far as Bonnyville, Alberta, and even the Assembly of First Nations in Ottawa.”
Hayden started the Shaina Strong movement shortly after her daughter Shaina died by suicide at the age of 26 in July 2018 after being viciously bullied online and through texts.
Donna Hayden poses for a photo with her "sidekicks" Chelayne Hayden, 13, (left), Jordyn Wiseman, 12 and Karsyn Willams, 8. Donna gave a lot of credit to the three, whom she said have been critical in helping her reach out and spread the word about Shaina Strong. (File)
The non-profit organization, which originated in Brandon, has been on the journey since its grand introduction awareness fundraiser in January 2019.
Hayden said this year’s guest speakers will include prominent figures such as Mayor Jeff Fawcett, fire Chief Terry Parlow and others including Philip Emmerson and Aaron McKay.
She emphasized that all contributions, whether financial or in-kind, go directly back into the community, supporting the movement’s initiatives and raising awareness.
“It’s about time that we start looking at it differently,” she said. “My goal is to create safe spaces where people can open up and heal because addressing issues like suicide requires real, often difficult conversations.”
Shaina Strong’s approach to combating bullying, harassment and suicide is unique, and Hayden is dedicated to going wherever she’s needed to make a difference.
“I’m trying to help this community or rural areas or wherever they’ll have us,” she said, “Everyone’s been talking about the COVID pandemic, but the real pandemic for years has been mental health, and it’s now coming to the forefront and it’s reached a crisis point that can’t be ignored.”
For those who wish to learn more about Shaina Strong and its mission, further information is available by contacting 204-727-6308 or via email at ShainaStrong@outlook.com.
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