Submitted by:
Jessica Lacasse,
Health Promotion Coordinator, Prairie Mountain Health

The Youth Empowerment Forum was a great success.

Many positive remarks have been shared about Matt Bellace as a speaker, comedian and a professional.

The Grade 7&8 event hosted 240 students. They enjoyed a great day and thought Dr. Bellace was an engaging and hilarious speaker.

The Grade 9-12’s also enjoyed a great presentation. Although Dr. Bellace’s message is serious it is about giving the youth the information they need to make long term healthy choices. He stressed the importance of having fun and developing one’s skills versus just looking to party. He challenged the youth to make opportunities to do thing they enjoy and to deal with the stress or challenges they experience in a positive way which improves their opportunities long term. He was very funny and the room was often roaring with laughter.

Although a worldy traveller, Dr. Bellace noted the unique nature of the Valley with the cold and the distance from Winnipeg and shared a hiliarious personal account of his trip to Swan River. The crowd was in tears!

The evening event for parents was also a success with about 60 parents and community members out. Many of them had been urged to attend by their children. Many parents also lined up to purchase Dr. Bellace’s book “A Better High”.

The Valley surprised Dr. Bellace once again, as he sold out of his book about half way through the line. Parents were pleased however, when Matt took names of the parents so he could send personalized copies once he returns home.

Thank you to all that attended.