2018-19 MAYOR’S CITY BUILDER AWARD
The Mayor and Gloucester-South Nepean Ward Councillor will present the Mayor’s City Builder Award to Chris Nihmey on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at the start of the next City Council meeting at Andrew Haydon Hall (Council Chambers), Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West.
The Mayor’s City Builder Award is a civic honour created to recognize an individual, group or organization that, through outstanding volunteerism or exemplary action, has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to making our city a better place today and for the future. This may include lifelong service, outstanding acts of kindness, inspiring charitable work, community building or other exemplary achievements.
“Pleased to present the Mayor’s City Builder Award to local author @ChrisNihmey for his incredible resilience and advocacy for mental health. / Je suis fier de remettre le Prix du bâtisseur de la ville à Chris Nihmey, pour son engagement en matière de santé mentale.”
Mayor Jim Watson, Ottawa City Council
“What an inspirational story. Congratulations Chris and thank you for giving hope to everyone battling mental health disorders. It’s an honour to recognize your advocacy work and thank you for sharing your story.”
Councillor Qaqish, City of Ottawa
Thank you, Peter Dunlap, for nominating me for this special award. I am so grateful for your act of kindness. You’ve given me a much larger platform to share my message of hope, resilience, and healing. I appreciate all of your support with my mental health initiatives. It is wonderful to have you in my corner.
2017-18 FACES OF MENTAL ILLNESS
For the past many years, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) has been proud to organize and host the courage of Canadians who have stepped up in determination and in hopes of becoming a Face of Mental Illness. They have come to the campaign with their unique and diverse stories and backgrounds showing Canadians that mental illness has many Faces – faces that are recognizable to us all. CAMIMH’s Faces campaign created the first organized opportunity for Canadians to convene a very public discussion about mental illness; discussion which is critical to creating awareness and decreasing stigma.
A huge shout out to my great friend, Sean Haughian, who nominated me for the 2017-18 Faces of Mental Illness campaign with the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (camimh.ca). I couldn’t have done it without you. You threw the stone that started the ripple. I am beyond grateful for your continued love and support.