Bell Let’s Talk day marks sixth year of helping Canadians with mental health
For the sixth year, Bell Let’s Talk day has arrived to get Canadians talking, and – with minimal effort – raising money toward mental health initiatives.
The undertaking on Wednesday is very simple. Canadians talk, text, tweet and share, and for each action Bell donates five cents that ultimately benefit the important work of mental health, be it in research, front line resources or direct action. (see: impact across Canada)
For the Canadian Olympic Committee, supporting Bell in its worthy endeavour is a natural fit. Last fall the organization took steps to address the overall well being of elite athletes outside the realm of rigid competition that takes much more than a physical toll.
The courage and candidness of Clara Hughes – one of Canada’s most decorated Olympians – has also long kept the Olympic Team in the conversation. Hughes’ association with Bell Let’s Talk day is synonymous.
Beyond Olympic athletes, mental illness personally affects one in five Canadians across the board regardless of age, gender and social standing, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association. On a worrying note, CMHA says that of children who require mental health assistance, only 20% receive the services needed.
How to raise money
Given the facts, many Canadians know there’s great work to do. Thankfully, raising money on Bell Let’s Talk day couldn’t be simpler. Here are the ways:
- Bell will donate five cents for every text message sent, or any mobile and long distance call made by anyone with Bell or Bell Alliant service.
- Additionally, any tweets and retweets using #BellLetsTalk (from web or on any mobile service) will help donate five cents to the cause.
- Finally, Bell will have an official image on its Facebook page. Each time that image is shared five cents will be generated toward mental health initiatives.
In 2015, there were 4,775,708 tweets and retweets with #BellLetsTalk. A sure sign that support for this made in Canada initiative had gone global was that it became the top trending topic worldwide, with a 58% increase in tweets and retweets from the previous year.
All told, there were 122,150,772 tweets (including retweets), texts and calls netting more than $6.1 million in 2015 – a new record.
In digital terms, #BellLetsTalk is ‘slacktivism’ that pays and does so toward the wellness of Canadians. So go ahead and…
Members of the Canadian Olympic Club (when signed in) can click on the “tweet” button above to receive the Bell Let’s Talk badge and 25 additional points.
