Reaching out to youth at risk

By MICHAEL SCHRATTER

Vancouverite Sarah Jamieson isn’t the kind of person to sit still and wait for the world to become a better place. For Jamieson, it’s all about being the change you want to see.

Nearly a decade ago, Jamieson set a goal to raise $1 million for charitable causes before she turned 35 years old. Today, with three years and about $200,000 to go, Jamieson is sure to reach her goal. The yoga and fitness instructor typically uses sports philanthropy as her vehicle to raise awareness and funds for national and international charities.

I was able to catch up to Jamieson on Friday at her inaugural Liberated Transparency Salon Series event, featuring educational and empowering dialogue sessions designed to bring together people and organizations dedicated to changing the face of mental health amongst youth.

Guest speakers from the Canadian Mental Health Association, Power To Be Adventure Therapy Society, and the Odd Squad Productions Society spoke about reaching youth at risk.

A few years ago, Sarah lost her mother, who suffered from bipolar disorder, to suicide. Her Salon Series is, in part, a constructive reaction to her painful past.

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