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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, September 22, 2016 | 20 Special Waste Drop-off Day To make the recycling of household hazardous waste and electronic waste more convenient for residents, Halton Region holds Special Waste Drop-off Days throughout the year. Special Waste Drop-off Days are for Halton residents only. No commercial waste. Mental illness statistics are staggering: Flynn continued from p.16 "Those are natural emotions. We all have them," said Hansell, who lost his son Paul to suicide in 2010 while he was at Brock University in St. Catharines. Paul was 18 at the time and was "succeeding well" during his first year of university -- or so he had thought, the Burlington resident continued. A major shock and surprise "The decision that he made and whatever he was dealing with came as a major shock and surprise," he said, his voice shaking as he described how they were like best friends, but perhaps he was too close to see what was going on with his son. After Paul's death, the foundation was created to honour Paul's memory and to promote programs aimed at the mental and emotional well-being of youths. The #ConvoPlate is one of a number of ways Hansell is hoping to keep the conversation about mental health going so together "we can break stigma and increase the number of youths who access mental health services," he said. The plates, decorated by students in an art therapy program in Burlington where Paul went to high school, have already travelled as far as Alberta, Texas, Georgia, England and The Netherlands and have been held by Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, mental health advocate Margaret Trudeau and Roméo Dallaire, retired lieutenant-general Mental health should be part of our everyday conversations, said Hansell. In handing over one of the original eight plates created with the help of the Burlington Art Gallery to Damoff, Flynn said it was an honour to have the plate in his possession. He said he has been proud to see how the mental health conversation continues to grow daily. Issue is in the spotlight "I haven't seen an issue take hold and move ahead like mental health," he said, noting it wasn't much of an issue during the 18 years he spent as a municipal and regional councillor. It's only been in the last decade or so he's seen it grab the attention of the public, said Flynn, a strong advocate for mental health. Numbers are staggering He also said the number of people affected continues to shock him. "The numbers are staggering, especially with young people between 20 and 30," said Flynn, adding, approximately 29 per cent of that group are currently experiencing mental health challenges. He said while there have been strides in helping people get connected with mental health supports, there's so much more that can be done. As a result, he's impressed with the grassroots initiative of the #ConvoPlate, which "encourages people of all ages to speak up about mental health to support and educate each other and to keep the conversation going." Damoff said she's honoured to be the next person entrusted with one of the plates. Invitation to hear Hansell's story She invited a number of community members, including Frank Zamuner (who runs the annual Frank Zamuner's Swim or Walk for Mental Health fundraiser) and representatives from the Canadian Mental Health Association, Halton Region Branch, Halton Region's Paramedic Services, YMCA of Oakville, United Way Oakville (UWO) and the Oakville Community Foundation (OCF) to hear Hansell's story ,. "My son went to Brock (University) and I can't imagine going through what you went through," she said to Hansell through tears. "I still have him here, but you're making it so another student doesn't make the choice that your son did and that other parents don't have to go through what you've gone through." Damoff also thanked Hansell for the work he has been doing in the community and recognized the community members and groups for each of their roles in helping bring mental health to the forefront. She continued, initiatives like #ConvoPlate encourage people who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious to reach out to others. Damoff will hang onto the plate over the next few months and intends to take it with her to Ottawa from time to time. Those in possession of the plates are to share they are part of the conversation thread on social media -- using the hashtag #ConvoPlate and plate number -- and consider making a donation to an organization that advances mental wellness. Then they are asked to pass the plate on. A map of where many of the #ConvoPlates are can be viewed by visiting www.paulhansellfoundation. com. Date Saturday, September 24, 2016 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Location 1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville Sheridan College Halton residents may drop off the following household materials free of charge: Household hazardous waste Electronic waste Acceptable materials · Acids (rust remover) · Aerosol cans (full or partially full) · Automotive liquids (antifreeze, motor oil and filters) · Batteries (household and car) · Bleach · Cosmetics & pharmaceuticals · Fluorescent lights (compact bulbs & tubes) · Fertilizers · Fuels (must leave container) · · · · · · · · Garden chemicals Household cleaners Medications Mercury containing device Paint (full or partially full) Pesticides Pool chemicals Propane tanks & other pressurized containers · Solvents · Stains · Varsols · · · · · · · · · · · Acceptable materials Computers Stereos Phones TVs VCRs DVD players Computer monitors Printers Cell phones Cameras Computer batteries If you are unsure whether an item will be accepted at a Special Waste Drop-off, contact Halton Region by dialing 311. Unacceptable materials · · · · · · Needles, syringes, lancets Asbestos Commercial and industrial hazardous waste PCBs Radioactive waste Bio-medical waste · · · · · Explosives and ammunition Appliances Vacuum cleaners Scrap metal Commercial waste, tires and reuse materials (clothing, etc.) Visit halton.ca/hhw for information about drop off options for household hazardous waste. Visit halton.ca/ewaste for information about drop off options for electronic waste. Halton Region enhances program to help homeowners reduce basement flooding Halton is rolling out a region-wide Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program that provides Halton residents with subsidies to help protect their homes from flooding. These subsidies will provide more support for homeowners to prevent basement flooding and will also help keep unnecessary rainwater and groundwater out of the sewer system, which can be overwhelmed during severe rain events. Protect yourself, your neighbours and your community by participating in the program. For more subsidy details and tips on how to help reduce the risk of flooding, visit halton.ca/basementflooding or dial 311. Meetings at Halton Region · 1151 Bronte Rd., Oakville, L6M 3L1 Gary Carr Regional Chair Visit halton.ca/meetings for full schedule. No Regional Council or Standing Committee meetings remaining in September. Please contact us, as soon as possible, if you have any accessibility needs at Halton Region events or meetings. 220916