ESTEVAN – The Estevan Community Wellness Committee transformed Blue Monday, dubbed the saddest day of the year, into a day of hope and connection by hosting its inaugural Courage and Community Dinner.
Held on Jan. 20 at Beefeater Plaza, the event united residents, businesses and advocates in a shared mission to promote mental health awareness and raise funds for community wellness initiatives.
"This is the first of its kind event for the Estevan Community Wellness Committee," said Robert Godfrey, the evening's master of ceremonies. "You never know how a first event will turn out, but seeing you all here tonight is incredible.
"Today is Blue Monday and it is known as the saddest day of the year. But we want to change that a bit, and that's why Estevan Community Wellness is using this opportunity to bring the community together ... to focus on mental health and the resources that are available in our community."
The Estevan Community Wellness Committee, established in 2024 following a pilot project started in 2023, aims to enhance safety and well-being in the community. Through initiatives focusing on mental wellness, substance abuse and addictions, education and employment, and victimization, the committee has sought to create stronger connections within Estevan.
The sold-out event was a success for organizers, who received a lot of positive feedback. The Estevan Community Wellness Committee said it will look into making the Courage and Community Dinner an annual tradition. For more about the organization follow them at the Estevan Community Wellness Facebook page.
Sponsors and community support
The event was made possible by contributions from local businesses. Murray GM served as the title sponsor, and general manager Brad Pierson took to the stage to express his gratitude and commitment to the cause.
"Mental health is important to us on a personal and professional level," Pierson shared. "It's a topic we address openly in our business. We've planted a big imaginary mental health flag at Murray GM, and we make sure everyone knows they can seek help if they need it."
Pierson highlighted the importance of community involvement, noting that his family has a long-standing tradition of giving back.
"We were brought up to be involved in the community, be doing stuff, helping out, being involved with organizations," Pierson said. "Our grandparents, George and Dorothy Symons, our parents, Bert and Melodye Pierson, and now my brother [Jeff Pierson] and I all take great pride in being involved in the community and being leaders in the community.
"And we're proud to support this event and all it represents," he added.
Additional sponsors included Support You Life Coaching and Consulting by Stacey Wempe, McGillicky Oilfield, Souris Family Pharmacy, and Lemon Wedge Marketing Group.
A number of local organizations that provide wellness and mental health resources in the community were helping with organizing the evening and providing information about what they do. The Estevan Comprehensive School's Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) members also contributed by serving alcohol-free cocktails throughout the night.
Keynote speaker inspires
The highlight of the evening was a keynote speech by Brad Siroski, a Saskatchewan mental wellness advocate who shared his journey through mental health challenges and addiction, emphasizing the importance of breaking the stigma.
"Thanks to the community of Estevan for continuing the conversation around mental health and addictions," Siroski said, expressing gratitude to the event organizers and the audience for their engagement.
Siroski shared his story of battling substance abuse, mental health struggles and a traumatic upbringing. He recounted the pain he carried from his childhood, describing the impact of verbal and physical abuse.
"The physical stuff that happened to me at home hurt, but the words hurt way more. So, I stopped talking to people. I think I was likely clinically depressed by the time I was 10 years old. … Heavy is the soul that wears the smile."
His journey into addiction began at the age of 13 when alcohol provided a temporary escape from his problems, but it quickly became a dangerous coping mechanism. By age 31, Siroski had experienced a cocaine- and alcohol-induced heart attack.
"The doctor told me, 'If you do not stop using today, you will die.'"
That moment became a turning point. Although his early attempts at recovery faced setbacks, he eventually sought help through Saskatchewan's Team Challenge program. He credited the program's unconditional support and its focus on both mental health and addiction recovery for saving his life.
A recurring theme in Siroski's speech was the power of connection and vulnerability.
"Revealing is healing," he said. "We need to talk about our struggles."
He shared how breaking his silence about trauma, addiction and mental health was crucial to his recovery and encouraged others to do the same. He highlighted the alarming statistics surrounding men's mental health, noting, "75 per cent of people over the age of 20 who take their own lives are men. I'm tired of watching my friends die."
Siroski's speech offered actionable insights for mental wellness, drawing from his lived experiences and professional expertise as a counsellor and program designer. He emphasized the importance of self-care, healthy connections, balance and setting boundaries, accountability, forgiveness, dealing with past trauma and more.
Siroski closed with an inspiring message about resilience and hope.
"Failures and struggles are just steppingstones on the way to success. So, whatever you're going to do, never give up on yourself, please."
He thanked the community for their support and encouraged anyone struggling to reach out for help, reminding them they are not alone.
"Don't struggle in silence, don't suffer alone because you're afraid to reach out because of all the stigmas that mental health and addictions have carried for so long. Please, please everyone, reveal, heal."
Siroski's heartfelt address left a profound impact, earning him an ovation. For more about his advocacy work and contact information, visit his .
