The atmosphere was at its height shortly after the launch of the dragon boats held at the boarding dock of Daniel-Johnson Park. By mid-morning, we could see the teams warming up on the grass, showing their colors, doing pirouettes and chanting rallying cries. The boats were already sailing on Lake Boivin as the The Voice of the East.
The first day of the EnBarque challenge, Friday, was dedicated to teams from high schools in the region. Beforehand, the next generation raised more than $75,000 to finance conferences and workshops in schools to raise awareness of mental health in this generation. A bit competitive, we focused above all on awareness.
“As young people, we notice that performance anxiety affects our generation a lot. We wanted to raise funds to support young people. Together, we raised over $5,000. We had to do this fundraising for mental health,” explained a young student from l’Envolée school in Granby.
“They all signed up! We appealed to parents too, since it is a very important cause! Our school has four boats and, collectively, we have raised around $8,000,” added Valérie Paumard, a teacher at the Paul-Germain-Ostiguy school, surrounded by around twenty students from Saint-Césaire.
Between two races, the students had a lot of fun. One of them was thrown into the air! (Stéphane Champagne/La Voix de l’Est)
The presence, enthusiasm and generosity of the students impressed more than one. Along the banks, we met curious people, parents and friends, who came to encourage the participants. Near the boarding platform, we found the friendly spokesperson for the event.
Faced with this spectacle, Jean-Philippe Dion smiled from ear to ear. It must be said that the students managed to exceed expectations in terms of participation and amounts raised for the cause. A sign that young people are increasingly aware and aware of issues related to mental health.
“I am happy to see that young people are so sensitive to the cause! Mental health disorders are part of our reality and we always remember that an earlier diagnosis, carried out during adolescence, allows us to better target the resources and necessary support,” he judged, obviously proud to see we are invested in serving young people.
(Stéphane Champagne/La Voix de l’Est)
The TV host was not the only artist present on the site. An actress and comedian well known to the general public, and popular with young people, was visiting Daniel-Johnson Park. Rosalie Vaillancourt ventured with around twenty students onto the waters of the tumultuous lake. An experience that will certainly remain engraved in memory.
“I saw the young people arriving with motivation. During the race, we felt a little more vulnerable, but trust was built and we worked as a team! I am moved to see the teenagers come together and row together for such a beautiful reason,” admitted Rosalie Vaillancourt, who, equipped with a large drum, set the rhythm for the rowers who took their place aboard a dragon boat.
Comedian Rosalie Vaillancourt was a guest artist at the event. (Stéphane Champagne/La Voix de l’Est)
Break taboos
The event brought together around 1,850 people over the two days held around Lake Granby. The youth component gives way to the corporate EnBarque Challenge held on Saturday, May 25. We are participating to advance the Healing Environment project for optimal recovery of the psychiatry unit of Granby hospital and its facilities.
“This year, we have 88 teams to meet a financial goal of $350,000. The participants are committed people who care about their community. All together, they break down taboos and show love for their neighbors who are experiencing issues related to mental health,” said Suzanne Surette, general director of the Granby Hospital Center Foundation.
“It’s incredible to see such a close-knit, active and engaged community! Awareness is the watchword and we are moved to see all these young people taking up the cause loud and clear! For their part, adults must continue to plow the path for difference.”
— Suzanne Surette, general director of the Granby Hospital Center Foundation
Morals have changed and a good part of the road has been mapped out, but there is still work to be done. The latest data from the Public Health Department of the CIUSSS de l’Estrie speaks for itself. It is estimated that 10,900 adults have a mental health disorder diagnosed in the region. In addition, authorities note that 20% of students aged 12 to 17 report having been diagnosed with anxiety, depression or an eating disorder.
Time for adults!
The event continues on Saturday and this time invites business people. They are motivated to make a difference. As proof, more than fifty teams are expected at Daniel-Johnson Park to reach and even exceed a financial objective set at $350,000.
The races continue on Saturday! (Stéphane Champagne/La Voix de l’Est)
To date, more than $320,000 has been raised for good mental health care in Haute-Yamaska. Good news: we announce that the number is expected to increase with the donations received and counted in the coming days. The final amount therefore remains to be determined.
We expect good weather, a musical atmosphere, warm-ups, races and prize giving. The curious are invited Saturday to Daniel-Johnson Park to attend the event. For more information and to make a donation, simply visit the challenge website.
