The 2016 Transforming Lives recipients are:

Sheldon Kennedy
Gail Bellissimo
Orlando Da Silva
Emily Wright
Jobim Novak
RBC

The Harry & Shirley Young Corporate Award was presented to RBC, which has helped strengthen both Transforming Lives Awards and UnMasked as long-time presenting sponsors. RBC’s generosity has also created the RBC Patient and Family Resource Centre.

On May 25, 1,000 of CAMH’s closest friends gathered at the Transforming Lives Awards to honour the extraordinary people who face mental illness and addiction with perseverance and dignity. It was a remarkable milestone — the 20th anniversary of a beloved signature event that celebrates the people who turn to us for care. The night also marked the last year the awards will be held on the grounds, as CAMH prepares to begin construction on our new Complex Care and Recovery and Crisis and Critical Care buildings in 2017.

And what a night it was! Set under a spectacular tent at CAMH’s Queen Street campus, the evening brought the CAMH community together to listen to stories of triumph and inspiration. By sharing their stories, award recipients help break down the stigma that surrounds mental illness. By celebrating their courage and commitment to recovery, we join them in this commitment.

“The Transforming Lives Awards have always been such a special celebration — a beautiful evening in which we are inspired by powerful stories of courage and strength,” says Valerie Pringle, who co-chairs the Transforming Lives Awards with Dr. David Goldbloom. “The 20th anniversary allowed us to take a moment to look back at how far we’ve come in mental health over the years, and to celebrate our progress in research, care and education. It also reminded us that we can’t stop now because there is still so much to be done.”

The dazzling evening raised more than $1 million for CAMH.

NHL hockey legend Sheldon Kennedy was an impressive playmaker during his time in the big leagues but his work off the ice as a tireless advocate on behalf of victims of abuse has made him truly heroic

Emily Wright, a passionate advocate for breaking down stigma, is committed to stopping bullying and fostering social justice as an early childhood educator.

Jobim Novak’s story offers other young people hope that they can overcome their challenges and find their voice, whatever they are facing. His message of transformation and hope continue to break down stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction.

Orlando Da Silva, former President of the Ontario Bar Association is raising awareness of the prevalence of mental illness, especially among high-functioning professionals.

Gail Bellissimo strives to empower people to seek help or other treatment options they didn’t know existed, and promotes clinical research to enhance care and recovery.