Hundreds of buildings around the globe will glow purple on Tuesday, Oct. 10 in support of World Mental Health Day.
But for Port Coquitlam mom Carol Todd the day will be one of fond memories of her daughter Amanda, who died Oct. 10, 2012 — and a bit of hope because of positive change since Amanda killed herself after being cyberbullied.
“With Amanda’s story, it’s still getting to youth, and its not just getting to Canadian youth, it’s getting those from the Europe, Brazil, and all over the U.S.,” said Todd, who spoke at a We Day gathering in Toronto last week.
This week an online auction launched by Todd's supporters is drawing support for projects in Amanda Todd's name.
Dozens of items are available at on the website with funds raised going to the Amanda Todd Legacy for anti-bullying, internet safety and mental health resources.
Meanwhile, mom Carol Todd's Light Up Purple for World Mental Health Day campaign is rolling out across North America and around the world, which will see buildings, bridges and monuments as well as civic buildings in Coquitlam, Port Moody and Port Coquitlam, shine with purple lights to raise awareness about mental health concerns.
People are also encouraged to wear purple and to post photos of themselves using the hashtag #LUP017, #shinepurple #WMHD and similar monikers.
Todd is particularly excited about the Luminous Veil in Ontario turning purple Oct. 10 because she had originally been told the lights could only be white. “They decided to change it purple because the light up purple campaign was about safety, wellness and mental health,” said Todd, noting that the viaduct was a noted spot for suicides and the “veil” was put into place commemorating all the deaths.
Todd, who is also a learning resource teacher in School District 43, said that there is more awareness about mental health issues and cyberbullying in the days since her daughter died after posting a viral video about her cyberbullying experiences.
But there are many issues that still need addressing, she said, such as mental health and drug addiction and the scourge of drug overdoses, an issue that has been declared a health crisis in B.C.
Todd said she is pleased that the B.C. government has installed a minister of mental health and addictions and said there are a lot more programs dealing with youth safety on the internet.
“We can never get rid of the internet, but we can make some positive change,” said Todd.
To find out more about the Light Up Purple for World Mental Health Day campaign, visit lightuppurple.com or Amanda Todd Legacy - Staying Strong on Facebook.
