Rare Musical Event To Help Young People Suffering From Mental Illness

The Cottage Farm Centre for Mental Health Recovery Society invites you to join us at 8 p.m. on May 30, 2009 at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church in Vancouver, for a rare musical event to help young people suffering from mental illness.

Highlighting the evening will be Karl Jenkin’s uplifting arrangement of “Stabat Mater”, the powerful 13th century hymn featuring soloists Jane Mortifee and Lynn Williams along with a 155-voice choir and organist Darryl Nixon. Conducted by choirmaster Alison Nixon, this hour-long performance will also showcase the work of award-winning downtown eastside photographer Lincoln Clarkes.

Other highlights will include Shari and Julia Ulrich, and the gospel stylings of Kathryn Nicholson. In addition to providing an exceptional musical experience, this special evening will raise funds for Cottage Farm, a vision for a new therapeutic community.

Tickets are $20, or $50 for orchestral seating and a special reception afterwards to meet the soloists and principals (tax receipts provided).

What is Cottage Farm?

Cottage Farm is a planned not-for-profit residential therapeutic community where individuals with severe and persistent mental disorders can live and work side-by-side with staff and volunteers in a farm-like environment, while moving toward health and re-integration into mainstream society. As envisioned, it will help to break the cycle of mental illness, homelessness and addiction, especially among young people.

When teenaged Ben Nixon developed symptoms of schizophrenia, his mother Alison began searching for alternative ways to help him, based on the model of successful therapeutic communities that focus on relationship-centred care.

Over the past several years, Alison has brought together individuals with a broad range of expertise who share her passion and commitment to make the concept of Cottage Farm Centre for Mental Health Recovery a reality. As envisioned, Cottage Farm will be located on a farm-like parcel of land in the lower mainland region, and offer a natural environment intended to provide both purpose and healing.

EVENT: From Shadow to Light - a benefit concert for Cottage Farm
DATE: Saturday May 30, 2009 at 8 pm (Doors open at 7:30 p.m.)
LOCATION: St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Burrard and Nelson, Vancouver
TICKETS: $20 & $50 for information, contact:Lorna Seaman (778.231.9062)
Also available through:
North Shore Unitarian Church (604.926.1621)

Media Contact:
Virginia Keast
604.538.0250
[email protected]