A former Stanley Cup winner brings his story experiencing both life’s penultimate highs and gut-wrenching lows to the region next month.
Theo Fleury will meet with area high school students during an afternoon assembly before serving as the guest of honour for Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care’s seventh annual Shine a Light Gala on March 27.
“The evening event happens here on site,” Waypoint communications officer Kristi Lalonde said, noting the afternoon portion for students from schools, including Georgian Bay District Secondary School and St. Theresa's Catholic High School, is scheduled for the Midland recreation centre.
Lalonde said Fleury is following in the footsteps of other prominent celebrities who haven’t shied away from detailing their own personal struggles as part of the annual Waypoint event.
“Every year, we select a speaker that has a story to tell, whether it’s from personal experience or the work that they do,” she said, noting past speakers include Canadian Olympic legend Clara Hughes and former Great Big member Séan McCann.
“Part of our message is we don’t just want an entertainer.”
During his very successful 16-year NHL career, Fleury not only won a Stanley Cup with the Calgary Flames in 1989, but also helped Canada win a gold medal at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.
But after his career ended, Fleury began detailing his years dealing with addiction issues that began after he was sexually abused by junior hockey coach Graham James.
Now a sought-after speaker and best-selling author, Fleury holds both a Canadian Humanitarian Award and the Queen’s Jubilee Medallion while bringing his message of facing adversity and focusing on helping people with personal growth and healing.
While the annual gala is the hospital’s largest fundraiser of the year, Lalonde noted it’s made possible in part by the $25,000 title sponsorship of TD Bank Group, which has donated $230,000 to the hospital through sponsorships and a Medical Excellence grant since 2014.
“We look forward to this annual event that supports the hospital’s impactful work in advancing the understanding and treatment of individuals struggling with mental health issues and addiction,” TD community banking and external events manager Nathan Kent said in a release. “It is one way that TD is helping to open doors to an inclusive future."
Following the success of last year’s format, the evening will again feature a fun social atmosphere with guests enjoying Waypoint’s signature mocktail, a culinary experience including a delicious array of hors d'oeuvres and a food station by Feast Catering, silent and live auctions and music to enjoy before and after Fleury’s presentation. Tickets cost $175 each.
To purchase tickets or learn more about Waypoint, visit waypointcentre.ca or contact [email protected].
