“M ental health issues are on the rise across Canada, but Atlantic Canadians are experiencing the largest spike in anxiety and depression since the pandemic began. So, to me, there has never been a more important time to support mental health,” says Dib. He is hoping to raise $50,000 before he completes his run on July 12, all of which, the 45-year-old father of two says, will support advocacy, programs and resources that help to prevent mental health issues and illnesses, and support recovery and resilience for Atlantic Canadians. Shelley Muzika, Acting Executive Director for CMHA PEI, says she applauds Dib’s commitment to mental health, and the role his fundraiser will play in supporting Atlantic Canadians.
adding runs to my daily cardio routine, and I soon realized how running had also become an integral part of my mental health conditioning,” explains Dib. “It changed my life.” He says the decision to run across PEI, rather than his home province of Nova Scotia, is also deeply personal. “I am married to a beautiful Prince Edward Islander from Charlottetown. I am also a Lebanese Canadian citizen who was raised in Nova Scotia from a young age. A career in human resources management steered my family and I away from Atlantic Canada for 10 years, but we eventually found ourselves back on the East Coast, once again drinking in all the wonderful salt air we missed so dearly. Today, I call Hammonds Plains my home. But in the summer, we are fortunate enough to be
▲ Photo courtesy of CMHA PEI
About CMHA PEI:
The Canadian Mental Health Association PEI Division (CMHA PEI) is a community-based organization that began its work on Prince Edward Island as a division of CMHA National in 1959. Their mission is to promote the mental health of all Islanders by enabling individuals, groups, and communities to increase their control over, and enhance, their mental health. To carry out this mission, CMHA PEI has over 150 volunteers and 80+ support staff who provide programs and services, education and information, research, advocacy and social policy development designed to help all Islanders improve their mental wellness. All money raised for and donated to CMHA PEI stays in the province in support of mental health programs and services for Islanders.
Dom Dib of Halifax, Nova Scotia plans to run across PEI over ten days during the month of July in an effort to raise $50,000 for CMHAs in Atlantic Canada.
able to escape to our summer cottage on the wonderful north shores of PEI.”
“This past year has been a struggle for many of us as we learned to adapt to the uncertainty in our lives,” notes Muzika. “This campaign will increase awareness around how important it is to continue to look after ourselves and each other, and to reach out if we need help. We are very appreciative of Dom’s efforts to get that message out there. CMHAs across Atlantic Canada have also been hit hard during this pandemic. The need for our programs, support and resources has never been greater--so every little bit helps.” For Dib, organizing a fundraiser like My Island Run is more than philanthropy, it’s personal. “After sustaining a back injury and hitting an emotional rock bottom, I decided to make a lifestyle change that involved better dietary choices and
Noting the current restrictions surrounding travel and COVID-19, Dib adds that he was sure to consider them in his plan. “We’re watching the pandemic closely to see what options will be exercised to ensure I make a safe arrival to the Island before the run. This fundraiser is incredibly important to me, so I am doing everything I can to make sure it happens and happens safely.” Dib’s run kicks off on July 3 in Tignish and ends July 12 in Elmira. To support Dom Dib and My Island Run, visit https://www.myislandrun.com/ and follow My Island Run on Facebook.
SUMMER 2021 www.pei-living.ca
57
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker