For Immediate Release
January 20, 2021
INTRODUCING THE REACHOUT! WHISTLER PIN
Wear your compassion on your sleeve… or lapel
Whistler Community Services Society and Arts Whistler have partnered for ReachOut! Whistler – a campaign to raise awareness and funds for mental health and wellbeing programs with the help of a beautiful locally designed enamel pin. The ReachOut! Whistler pin uses the iconic image of Black Tusk to remind folks that no one needs to stand alone.
2020 was an exceptionally challenging year and Whistler Community Services’ Outreach program has experienced a significant increase in individuals seeking assistance in the areas of mental health and emotional support. Similarly, throughout the pandemic, Arts Whistler saw an increased need for accessible and inclusive arts and culture activities that could help foster community spirit and belonging in a year filled with uncertainty and stress.
Arts Whistler executive director Mo Douglas shared, “Creativity and participation in the arts is a proven pathway for better mental health and community connection. The ReachOut! pins will help us build community awareness and enable pin wearers to identify themselves as compassionate supporters. The funds from pin sales will support future community arts initiatives.”
Jackie Dickinson, Whistler Community Services Society’s executive director, stated, “Whistler Community Services Society is proud and honored to be part of this powerful collaboration with Arts Whistler. The goal of this initiative is to create hope and resiliency as we start 2021 and raise awareness around mental health and the strength of accessing support. WCSS provides low-barrier, free, confidential support to anyone in the community who is looking to add more tools to support their well-being, health and their family systems.” Jackie sees another important facet to the campaign. “The ReachOut! Whistler pin will raise awareness but we also hope wearing the pin will challenge the stigma associated with talking about mental health and provide a visual reminder to our community and friend circles that we are an ally, that we are willing to talk about our mental health and support those around us. As a community when we support one another and take care of ourselves we build capacity to continue to be a healthy supportive community.”
After receiving dozens of impressive design submissions from local artists, Pemberton artist Aurora Moore’s bold design was selected, as it beautifully captures the spirit of the campaign. It is now being transformed into a limited edition enamel pin. “Having other people to lean on and talk to is at the heart of mental wellness for me. I used Black Tusk to represent this thought – ‘You don’t have to stand alone’ – as Black Tusk stands out in the Coast Mountain range”, says Aurora about her design.
Read the interview: ReachOut! Whistler pin designer: Aurora Moore
Purchase your ReachOut! Whistler Pin online, from Maury Young Arts Centre or the Re-use-It Centre or make a donation to show your support for local mental health and wellbeing programs.
Find out more about ReachOut! Whistler
About Arts Whistler:
Arts Whistler is passionate about Whistler, about arts and about making arts and culture an integral part of day-to-day life. Operating out of the Maury Young Arts Centre in the heart of Whistler Village, Arts Whistler runs a variety of creative classes, showcases an exciting lineup of live shows for Arts Whistler Live! and hosts year-round free-admission exhibits in The Gallery to support local artists and their craft. Annual events include the Whistler Children’s Festival, Whistler Street Entertainment, Arts Whistler Holiday Market, We Heart Local Art and Art on the Lake. Arts Whistler creates bold, inspiring and engaging experiences and supports an arts and culture sector in Whistler that’s welcoming, accessible and collaborative.
Get in Touch:
Website: artswhistler.com
Facebook: facebook.com/artswhistler
Twitter: @artswhistler
Instagram: @artswhistler
Hashtags: #ArtsWhistler
Media Contact:
Mo Douglas,
Executive Director, Arts Whistler
mdouglas@artswhistler.com