Wings for mental health

Photo: Amanda Todd Legacy

In celebration of World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, WINGS Restaurants & Pubs are donating $1 from every order of pumpkin spice wings sold between Oct. 1 and 14 to the Amanda Todd Legacy.

Amanda Todd committed suicide on Oct. 10, 2012 in Port Coquitlam after suffering from mental health issues, bullying, cyber-abuse and harassment at the age of 15.

Her mother Carol Todd founded the Amanda Todd Legacy, a non-profit organization that aims to focus on bringing awareness to internet safety, mental health and outreach.

“It’s no secret that there is an ongoing stigma around mental illness and people who suffer in silence," said Jeff Perham, director of marketing and business development at WINGS. "Everyone I know is either directly or indirectly affected by mental illness. A good conversation starts with good food." 

Organized by Perham, 'Say it with Wings' was created to build conversation around mental health alongside the Amanda Todd Legacy online auction.

The auction supports local programs that focus on mental wellness and healthy living, mainly in youth.

“I think this program will really resonate with our staff and guests," said Perham. "I’d love to see this as something we build on each year and include as one of our annual community programs."

Oct. 10 not only marks World Mental Health Day but it is also the day Amanda Todd took her own life.

“I read over the ‘Say it with WINGS’ proposal and immediately got goosebumps because I thought it would be a breakthrough in getting more awareness out there for mental health, which we know now is so important,” said Carol Todd.

To focus on the importance of this day and to remember Amanda, The Amanda Todd Legacy has also created a global campaign called 'Light Up Purple'.

To recognize this, WINGS has created the 'Purple Snowflake,' a cocktail in memory of Amanda, with a portion of sales going towards the organization.

“We want to shine a light on World Mental Health Day, so we are treating each guest wearing purple to a free order of Pumpkin Spice wings on October 10,” Perham explained. “All other guests will get 25 per cent off any flavour of wings, regardless of the colour of their outfit.”

Participating locations in B.C. include: Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Richmond, Vancouver, Kelowna, West Kelowna, Vernon, Quesnel, and Terrace.