To mark the Canadian Mental Health Association’s 100th anniversary, Newfoundland’s The Ennis Sisters worked with CMHA-NL to compose “Shine Your Light,” a song in support of mental wellness.
Mental wellness is a topic that hits particularly close to home for the trio. It has effected their family directly with the loss of their cousin a decade ago.
“We lost our cousin, Steve, to suicide back in October of 2008. He was 36 years old. Though we knew he was sick, we didn’t realize how troubled he was until it was too late. This tragedy deeply affected us and our family and does still, ten years later,” says Teresa Ennis.
“Since then, we have been advocating and speaking out about mental health and mental illness to try and end the stigma. When CMHA-NL’s CEO, Dan Goodyear, approached us with the idea of writing and recording a song for their 100th anniversary, we jumped at the opportunity to help shine a light on the issues surrounding mental health.”
The song was co-written by Maureen Ennis and her partner, Perry Chafe, with the aim of keeping the message inspiring and hopeful.
“It is a message to those who are suffering to remember you are not alone. Even in your darkest moments, there is always someone out there who can help. It’s also a reminder to those who feel strong to lend your strength to someone who’s hurting until they feel stable again. Where there’s no light shine your light, and there’ll be light.”
Produced by Blue Pinion Films and directed by Ruth Lawrence and filmed in St. John’s at Cape Spear National Historic Site, the song and video is being made available to CMHA Divisions and Branches throughout Canada in an attempt to promote greater mental health awareness.
In the meantime, CMHA-NL are following up the release with “The Ennis Sisters- Shine Your Light Concert,” on Tuesday, October 30th at 7:30pm at the Sheraton Hotel. The concert will also feature award-winning Shallaway Youth Choir and other special guests.
The Ennis Sisters also suggest that those unable to attend the concert might make a donation to CMHANL at www.cmhanl.ca.