A new Garden of Hope will soon bloom at the Georgetown Branch of the Halton Hills Public Library, offering a visible reminder of community support and the importance of mental health conversations.
The official unveiling takes place on Wednesday, September 10th at 11:00 a.m., in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day.
Created in partnership with the Halton Suicide Prevention Coalition, the garden features brightly painted rocks inscribed with uplifting messages from community members. It will be the fourth Garden of Hope in the region, designed as a welcoming space for reflection, connection, and dialogue.
“The Garden of Hope is a visible reminder that no one has to struggle alone,” says Melanie McGregor, Chair of the Coalition. “It represents the strength of our
community and the hope that comes from supporting one another.”
The opening ceremony will include keynote speaker Marybeth Pakulat-Bilger, who lost her husband to suicide in 2014. Since then, she has raised nearly $100,000 for local mental health and suicide prevention services and will share her story of resilience and advocacy.
Residents are encouraged to take part by adding their own message of hope on a rock for the garden. Local mental health organizations will also be on-site to provide resources and support.
You can find the Georgetown library branch at 9 Church Street.
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