The Porch Light Mental Wellness Society will host its third annual gala in November, raising money to help rural residents access mental health services.
Proceeds from this year’s event will support the society’s Rural Resilience Fund, an initiative designed to make counselling more accessible to people working in agriculture, ranching and rodeo, as well as other rural residents.
Amy Raes, president and founder of the Porch Light Mental Wellness Society, said the fund is being developed in collaboration with the National Farmers Mental Health Alliance to provide access to Agriculture Informed Therapy.
“We’ve put together a new program that is very specifically agricultural-informed therapy,” Raes said. “It’s guaranteed that a therapist has been certified that they understand the agricultural world and can give appropriate and contextual advice.”
Raes said rural residents can feel pressure to manage challenges independently, sometimes delaying professional support until their mental health reaches a critical point.
The program will connect clients with counsellors who have specialized training in agriculture and understand the pressures associated with rural livelihoods. This will allow them to provide counselling that considers the unique challenges of rural life.
This year’s gala theme, “Connect, Cultivate and Celebrate,” reflects the importance of strengthening relationships, building community connections and recognizing the accomplishments of the past year, Raes said.
In-person gatherings remain central to the society’s efforts, particularly because isolation can be a significant challenge for people living in rural areas.
Raes said everyday opportunities for connection, such as meeting for coffee or checking in with neighbours, have become less common since the pandemic.
“Just reminding everybody that we’re going through the same thing,” she said. “Bring people together so that we can talk to each other and remind ourselves that we are a part of a community.”
Rather than featuring a traditional keynote speaker, this year’s gala will include a panel discussion with three people involved in agriculture and rodeo.
Panelists will include Chance Butterfield, president of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association and a Porch Light ambassador; local rancher Trevor Warburton; and Megan Marshall, a local farmer who will discuss family and women’s perspectives on working in agriculture.
Guests will also be able to contribute through live and silent auctions held during the evening.
For Raes, the gala offers rural residents a chance to step away from their work, reconnect with neighbours and celebrate their communities after a demanding agricultural season.
The event is scheduled for Nov. 21 at the Olds Regional Exhibition. Those unable to attend can donate through the Porch Light Mental Wellness Society website.
Raes said contributions from this year’s gala will support the Rural Resilience Fund and help rural residents access counselling.
The society focuses on a population that often demonstrates resilience but can face additional barriers when seeking mental health support.
Tickets for the third annual gala are available through the Porch Light Mental Wellness Society website.
