The Valentine's season you can 'Share the Love for Mental Health' with a local online charity auction.
Stigma Enigma is hosting their first online charity auction with numerous gifts available for bidding to surprise your loved ones or keep for yourself, as well as to help raise money for a local organization.
All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting Maryvale, which is an accredited children's mental health treatment centre that serves youth in Windsor and Essex County.
Jenna Smith, Social Media Coordinator for Stigma Enigma, says the auction will be live January 27 until February 10 for all members of the community to have a chance to bid.
She says Stigma Enigma holds events, such as this one, to aid Maryvale in hiring more therapists.
"We're a group of volunteers dedicated to increasing awareness and the need for community involvement in dealing with mental illness. And all of our proceeds for our fundraising efforts do go to Maryvale to help hire more therapists to reduce their waiting list, so that more youth can receive help."
She says the process to bid on the items available is simple.
"Once you're on the auction site, the process is simple. You just would create an account, then click 'bid now'. And then you can bid on your favourite auction items. And, I will be available through the auction site if you have any questions, and you're also welcome to message us on social media."
With over 35 items available for auction, she says there is a wide range for everyone.
"There's a wide range of items that people can bid on: a package of three 60-minute massages, a private dinner party and tasting menu for eight, numerous sport events tickets including Lions, Pistons, Spitfires. Also numerous gift baskets that are Valentine's Day theme, and a bouquet of flowers even."
Smith says everyone knows someone struggling with their mental health.
"For me, it hits home as I've lost two cousins to suicide, and that's why I've joined Stigma Enigma to help increase awareness, reduce the stigma, and fundraise to assist Maryvale in hiring more therapists to reduce their waiting lists. And you know, everyone knows someone struggling with their mental health, and this is a great opportunity to support a great cause in our community."
Those interested in donating or those looking to bid can do so on the Stigma Enigma website.
Stigma Enigma is looking to raise $10,000 from this event.