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The annual Halloween event Gallery of Horror returns on Oct. 26 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Photo courtesy The Arts Connection

The annual Halloween event Gallery of Horror returns on Oct. 26 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Photo courtesy The Arts Connection

Arts Connection Halloween event raises funds for youth mental health care

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 11:57 PDT, Tue October 22, 2024

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Steveston organization The Arts Connection is hosting its annual Halloween event Gallery of Horrors, a fundraiser for youth mental health care.

The Arts Connection is home to Renaissance Kids daycare, The Arts Conservatory music, dance, and visual arts programs, SPARK before and after school care, and Wondercamps programs. The organization's ongoing fundraising efforts aim to demonstrate to young children the importance of giving back by involving them from an early age.

"Mental health issues can affect anyone, young and old, rich or poor. It is critical for all of us, parents and educators alike, to help remove the stigma and support children and youth who are struggling," says The Arts Connection president and founder Linda Shirley. "Tasks like this cannot be accomplished in isolation. Rather, we need the support of the entire community. This Halloween event, along with other exciting initiatives we have planned this year, give us a chance to make a real difference in the lives of Richmond's youth, setting them up for future success."

The upcoming Halloween event, taking place on October 26 at The Arts Connection's No. 2 Road location, is raising funds for the Box Around Your Heart initiative. With proceeds going towards Richmond Hospital Foundation's Emergency Department Mental Health Campaign, this initiative aims to bring about better mental health care in the hospital's emergency department. The project was inspired by Ruth Kelly, a past Renaissance Kids parent whose child has struggled with mental health and a lack of local resources for youth.

"I don't want anyone else to go through the pain, isolation, and shame that my family experienced during mental health crises; I know as a community we can offer hope, healing, and a brighter future for all," says Kelly. "Having this dedicated area in the emergency department, where staff can provide compassionate, comprehensive, patient-centred care, is going to be a game-changer for us all."

The proposed new space within Richmond Hospital's emergency department will provide a calming environment through reduced light, noise, and visual stimuli. A separate, dedicated area will include four beds, a private consultation room, and a secure room for short-term use when there is a risk of harm to the self or others.

"We thank The Arts Connection for bringing the community together to raise awareness and funds in support of the Emergency Department Mental Health Campaign," says Spencer Gall, Richmond Hospital Foundation's chief philanthropy officer. "Funds raised will help ensure patient-centred care for patients seeking urgent care for mental health symptoms and enable them to receive timely support, personalized treatment, and access to resources for their recovery."

To create this crucial space for mental health care, the foundation needs to raise $1.38 million, and the Box Around Your Heart Campaign has set a fundraising goal of $100,000. The new space has an anticipated opening date of August 2025.

Gallery of Horrors will take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at The Arts Conservatory (5–12491 No. 2 Road). While the event is free to attend, funds will be raised through ticket sales for the haunted gallery, carnival activities, and concession area. The event will also feature trick-or-treating, arts and crafts, dancing, and a photo station.

Families who are interested in attending the event should reserve a free ticket at eventbrite.com/e/gallery-of-horrors-haunted-house-halloween-carnival-tickets-1030270305217?aff=oddtdtcreator.

For more information, contact Veronica Chan, The Arts Connection marketing and communications manager (veronica@theartsconnection.ca).