Community Event - Burlington/Oakville - Be Part of the Shine Out! Shout Out! Story
An idea discussed around a kitchen table back in 2013 has resulted in many hours of hockey fun, significant financial contributions towards youth mental health, and an invaluable mental health program for youth.
In the heart of the community, a local women's recreational hockey tournament over the last 11 years not only showcases the fun had by its participants but also channels the power of sports into a worthy cause—raising funds and awareness for youth mental health.
The Shine Out! Shout Out tournament has raised funds to support nearly a decade of mental health peer support for youth which has fostered connections to resources for mental health, addiction, housing, and social services.
The funds raised are specifically allocated to youth mental health programs, notably the Just Be You peer support program. Working in conjunction with organizations such as Halton ADAPT and Unsinkable, the Just Be You peer program provides a safe space for youth ages 16-26 to socialize, have fun, and be themselves without fear of judgment or stigma. Youth acquire coping skills, build resilience, form social bonds, and gain access to essential resources. Just Be You enhances overall mental well-being in youth by combining peer support with social and recreational activities that empower young people to discover their strengths and adopt wellness techniques.
The Just Be You program grew out of the work of the organizers of the tournament; 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Just Be You program.
The tournament is more than just hockey; it is a statement on the importance of mental health awareness and the role that each individual can play in supporting this cause. The success of the event has inspired volunteers and players to return year over year. Through their dedication and teamwork, the people involved in this tournament - players, volunteers, sponsors, and donors - have set a shining example of how compassion and action can come together to make a significant impact in the lives of young people facing mental health challenges.
While the tournament is sold out again, the community is invited to join as sponsors, donors, volunteers, or just spectators and supporters to help make a positive impact on the lives of young individuals impacted by mental health. The general public are also invited to participate in the annual silent auction on AUCTRIA between September 1st - 7th.