The annual Bell Let’s Talk campaign recorded more than 138 million messages of support, meaning $6.92 million was raised for mental health initiatives throughout Canada.
That's a 5 per cent increase over last year's Bell Let's Talk Day, where 131 million "interactions" were recorded.
Bell, CJAD 800's parent company, is donating 5 cents for every mobile call and text message made by Bell customers, and also each tweet using #BellLetsTalk; each view of the Bell Let’s Talk Day video on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or Snapchat; and each use of the Bell Let’s Talk Facebook frame or Snapchat filter.
Among those who lent their support was a who's who of Canadian politicians and celebrities, including prime minister Justin Trudeau and premier Philippe Couillard, pop stars Celine Dion, Shawn Mendes and recent Best New Artist Grammy winner Alessia Cara, Olympians Tessa Virtue and Clara Hughes, actor William Shatner and astronaut Chris Hadfield.
It’s #BellLetsTalk Day - a time to keep having important conversations about mental health, and of course raise some money too! Mental health challenges affect us all. RT this to support programs across the country. pic.twitter.com/Kqm6vL172z
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 31, 2018
"On behalf of everyone on the Bell Let's Talk team, thank you Canada for showing the way in taking mental health forward - like never before! The growing engagement by Canadians in Bell Let's Talk Day shows that together we're changing attitudes and truly reducing the stigma around mental illness. It's the key to making progress in a critical national health concern," said Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let's Talk.
Mental health affects all of us and we need to talk about it. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. There is help, so I hope that you will reach out. #BellLetsTalk – Céline xx...https://t.co/9FyFadfAiI
— Celine Dion (@celinedion) January 31, 2018
#BellLetsTaIk it’s real & it’s important. every rt or tweet of the hashtag is 5 cents towards mental health initiatives.
— ac (@alessiacara) January 31, 2018
The initiative, which began in 2010, has now raised a total of $93,423,628.80. The money raised goes to support hundreds of local mental health programs in every part of the country.
Being a good listener and sharing a smile can make all the difference. Let’s get the conversation going together and spread the word far and wide. #BellLetsTalk #BellCause pic.twitter.com/WBlRb0zx3v
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) February 1, 2018