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Friendship Bench a good place to start conversation by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff 23 | Thursday, May 26, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com A bright yellow bench St. Marguerite d'Youville School's Peace Garden is more than just a place to sit -- it's a visual reminder for students to pause and think about their mental health and speak openly about it. Dubbed The Friendship Bench, it's among a number across Canada at various schools and the second in Oakville (Holy Trinity Secondary School had one installed last fall) to encourage discussion about mental health. At the May 2 dedication ceremony, the school community and representatives from non-profit organization The Lucas Fiorella Friendship Bench gathered under yellow umbrellas to celebrate despite rain. Sam Fiorella, co-founder and managing director of the The Lucas Fiorella Friendship Bench, explained the initiative was created last year in memory of his son Lucas following Lucas' suicide Oct. 12, 2014. Lucas was only 19. "Lucas suffered with depression in silence; his family and friends were all shocked to learn of his struggles after his death," said Fiorella. "Although Lucas suffered from depression, we learned he regularly reached out to friends, who seemed to also be suffering, which, in Tony Agro (top left), St. Marguerite d'Youville Catholic Elementary School principal, celebrated the installation of The Friendship Bench in the school garden with Grade 8 students, who gave speeches. The bench is a visual reminder for students to pause and think about their mental health and speak openly about it. | photo by Noah Park - special to the Beaver phones, texting, video games, computer or electronic devices whatsoever. Each participating student signed a contract agreeing to the terms. Funds raised were enough to purchase the Friendship Bench. Principal Tony Agro said he was incredibly proud of the leadership of his staff, especially teacher Theresa Merritt for spearheading the initiative. "This incredible teacher brings out the very best in our students. I am thrilled to see our Grade 8s putting our Catholic faith into action. I could not be more proud of these students and this school," he said. Each bench features a URL where students can quickly access local mental health and suicide-prevention services. It also contains the #yellowisforhello hashtag, that encourages students to discuss mental health awareness in their favourite social media networks. For more information about The Friendship Bench organization, visit www. thefriendshipbench.org. some cases, resulted in a saved life." St. Marguerite d'Youville School is the first elementary school to adopt the yellow bench. The Grade 8 students began fundraising last year by pledging to go a full day with absolutely no technology -- that meant, no Interlocking & Concrete Specialists · Pebble Concrete · Stamped Concrete · Interlocking · Flagstone · Walkways · Garage Floors · Patios · Driveways · Curbs (French) Call Mario 905.842.7171 sunmarlandscape.com Camp 2016 25+ Sports & Activities Multimedia, Arts & Science REGISTER NOW! Summer Spots Still Available in All Sessions ! Compression soCks... Your legs will thank You! marauders.ca/camps 905-525-9140 ext. 24464 Oakville Burlington 380 Dundas St. E. 3350 Fairview St. T: 905.257.4335 T: 905.637.4335