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Women & Wellness arose out of a family’s devasting loss. Helen MacDonnell founded the event after her brother Duncan's tragic suicide in 2003. After her brother died, Helen began reading his journals, trying to understand why he took his own life. She discovered Duncan had been suffering from bipolar disorder. He didn’t want to die. He wanted the pain to stop. In Helen’s quest to learn more, she began researching and talking to people about mental illness. She quickly learned it was a taboo subject that many didn’t discuss. Realizing change wouldn’t come unless people started to talk, Helen took action.

 

On a stormy night in January 2004, she hosted a “kitchen party with a purpose”, inviting 54 women into her home in Moncton, New Brunswick to discuss mental illness and mental health, share stories, laugh and cry, and be reminded to take care of their own health. This first Women & Wellness evening raised $1,250 for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).

 

Today, years later, through word of mouth and despite limited resources, the discussion has expanded far beyond Helen’s kitchen in Moncton. Communities across Canada have hosted Women & Wellness events over the years, engaging thousands of women and contributing to the more than $1 Million raised for CMHA in host communities since its inception. Each event has a theme of  “touch your heart and lift your spirit” and includes inspiring speakers, delicious chef-prepared finger foods, and desserts. The result is a truly special night designed to unite and empower women while supporting CMHA's mental health programs and services across the country.

 

The first Women and Wellness event was held on Prince Edward Island in 2009.  Our 2024 event will be our 15th year. Through the dedication, commitment, and support of the community and volunteers, we are very proud to have raised over $190,000 for the programs and services of CMHA PEI. All money raised from this event stays on PEI.