The City of Coquitlam will join dozens of cities, businesses and community organizations around the world that will be lighting up purple for World Mental Health Day on Thursday, Oct. 10.
In Coquitlam, the fountain at Lafarge Lake will be purple, at the request of the Amanda Todd Legacy Society and the World Mental Health Organization.
Amanda Todd, a Port Coquitlam teen, died a year ago on Oct. 10 after suffering from depression and cyberbullying and harassment.
Her mother, Carol, contacted cities and organizations around the world to encourage them to light structures in support of World Mental Health Day, and to raise awareness of families who have lost loved ones through struggles with mental health.
"This is something we need to do to support one another and raise awareness about mental health issues," Todd said.
Niagara Falls will be turning purple that day, as will a bridge in Boston, the Los Angeles Airport, the CN Tower, Mac the Moose in Moose Jaw, as well as Science World, BC Place and the Langevin Bridge in Calgary Alberta. Numerous other organizations are lending their support as well, including the World Federation for Mental Health, Bully Free Zone, Be Bold Campaign, Global Girl Power, the York Region District School Board, PoCo Mo Youth Society and the city of Port Coquitlam.
In addition to lighting up buildings, bridges and other structures, Todd is asking people to wear purple that day.
More information is available here.
