IGF lit up in support of World Mental Health Day

WINNIPEG — Investors Group Field is normally overcome with blue and gold, but Saturday night the stadium was awash in purple as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers helped mark World Mental Health Day.

The stadium was illuminated in purple as a show of support for the Amanda Todd Legacy Project and the Light Up Purple campaign.

The purple hue could be seen from Pembina Highway.

The Light Up Purple campaign aims to help get rid of the stigma surrounding issues related to mental illness.

The Amanda Todd Legacy Project promotes discussions about mental health, cyber-bullying and online exploitation. The 15-year-old Port Coquitlam teen killed herself in October 2012 after she was bullied online.

“We are honoured to have been asked to participate in this incredibly worthwhile campaign by the Amanda Todd Legacy project,” Blue Bombers president and CEO Wade Miller said in a news release. “By joining the Light Up Purple campaign, Investors Group Field is helping to bring awareness to mental illness and the importance of mental health and wellness.”

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have also launched an anti-bullying award for youth, created in memory of Samantha Mason, who was a victim of bullying in Winnipeg and ended her life in May of 2015. The Samantha Mason Friendship Award will recognize five youth who have taken action in their schools or communities to eliminate bullying.