Mental Wellness library installed in Baldur School

The Westman Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Association, in collaboration with Sunrise Credit Union, is installing mental wellness libraries in several schools. The most recent installation occurred on April 20th at Baldur School.

According to their website, the Westman Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Association was established to address mental health and suicide prevention within the community “out of one couple’s desire to support others after dealing with the trauma of their son’s suicide. Mental health does not discriminate; it affects everyone, either directly or indirectly. As individuals, we need to join together for the greater good of mental wellness in our Westman communities”.

This Association was founded by Cathy and her husband, Dave Williams, as a way to help heal from the tragic loss of Cathy’s son by suicide.

Cathy shared that the idea for the Mental Health Libraries was born of a request from a woman in Boissevan asking whether a Mental Wellness Library was possible, and that question led to a plan. “Schools are an important place to start giving them the tools to work with, so we took this really great idea of a Mental Wellness Library and decided to work towards getting them into schools, which we all felt was the perfect spot for them.

“Initially, we reached out to school Superintendents and then to the Principals. Bringing Mental Wellness Libraries to local schools has really opened the door to seeing the importance of getting help for mental health challenges. Sunrise has been instrumental in helping us set up these Libraries. Another added bonus at libraries such as Baldur’s is that the school hosts a community library, allowing the community at large to access these mental wellness materials as well.

“All the schools we have contacted have been very receptive. With the Wellness Libraries we have already installed, it was heartwarming to see kids come in, take a look, grab something that interested them from the shelf, and start reading it. A few schools have peer support groups that have been very vocal about receiving the books, and they were grateful for the support for their collective mental health.”

It is well known that Sunrise Credit Union gives back to the communities it serves, so it was no surprise to learn they were also involved in this project.

We were able to speak with Heather Merckx, Director, Brand & Marketing, BAA, CM for Sunrise Credit Union, she shared the following, “In the fall of 2025 (December), Westman Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention Association received a $16,000 grant to help develop school mental health resource libraries in seven Sunrise Credit Union communities: Boissevain, Deloraine, Hartney, Melita, Reston, Virden, and Waskada. The resource library would include age-appropriate, professionally reviewed, sourced, and supported literature, including paper and online books, wellness activities, and mental health content, as well as directories for local, provincial, and national support services and programs. As a follow-up to this support, Sunrise Credit Union submitted an application on behalf of the Westman Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention Association during the annual intake period for the Concentra/EQ Bank Empowering Your Community Grant Program, in the Mental Health, Housing, Food Security Category. Sunrise Credit Union is allowed to submit two applications a year to the program for consideration for a grant from our partners. The application for the Westman Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention Association outlined the program’s success to date and its wish to expand to other communities. We were proud to learn that the Association received a $10,000 grant from Concentra/EQ Bank in the spring of 2025 through this initiative.

“Each library will include paper and digital books, wellness activities, workbooks, and mental health content, including directories for available support through local, provincial, and national services and programs. They will be designed to spark meaningful conversations, empower youth, and work towards reducing the stigma.

“Establishing these libraries in schools not only provides students with access to valuable mental health and wellness resources but also extends support to our Sunrise communities. By integrating these libraries into our educational spaces, we are creating safe environments for our youth and educators, and therefore their families to find support and information. The resources will be reviewed annually by mental health professionals and educators to ensure that they are up to date and relevant.

“Sunrise Credit Union is passionate about supporting the Westman Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Association. We are committed to doing our part to provide assistance to those in need and recognize the importance of supporting our youth.”

Cathy Williams, her sister Barb Malzewski, Sunrise Credit Union employee Terryl Gillis, Baldur School Principal Laurie Glenn-Martindale and Baldur School Librarian Luna Su were all on hand at the unveiling.

Laurie was asked about the significance of the new books for the school.

“These new books mean everything to our school! People, regardless of their age, can be afraid to ask for help. Having so many different books with uplifting and exciting covers, covering various topics, opens the door for conversation,” she explained. She picked up a brightly colored book that addresses anxiety and added, “These books will be very helpful; they name feelings that the reader may not have previously understood and help them realize that it’s okay to feel that way. This encourages discussion.”

Cathy commented, “These books are a great starting point for dialogue. It makes me feel great to provide these tools to those who need them most and enable positive change. This was our goal: to help kids of all ages by filling a void.”

Terryl, a vocal supporter of mental wellness, stated, “I fully understand the negative impact of not having mental wellness resources available. Libraries, such as the one in Baldur, have the potential to make a significant difference in families’ lives. Students can take books home, allowing the entire family to learn together, regardless of their grade level—all the books carry important messages. These resources will help initiate conversations and encourage knowledge growth. With knowledge and personal development, stigma can diminish. I wish these books had been available when my children were young.”

Cathy’s sister, Barb, shared that she was thrilled to see the Mental Wellness Libraries rolled out in schools. “This is amazing, and it is the right place to start this.”

Baldur School Librarian Luna was beaming as she surveyed the extensive selection of books available for grades one through twelve. “We are so fortunate to have books for every grade in our school. Young readers will learn that their feelings are normal. These books can also be taken home and shared with parents and siblings. The books are colourful and feature relatable characters.”
Congratulations to Baldur School on the installation of their new Mental Wellness Library! A special thank you to the Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention Association and Sunrise Credit Union for their generous donations, which support not only Baldur School but also many other schools in the region.

(l. to r.) Luna Su (Baldur School Librarian), Laurie Glenn-Martindale (Baldur Principal), Terryl Gillis (Sunrise Credit Union), Cathy Williams and Barb Malzewski. PHOTO SUBMITTED