Organizer Andy Bhatti was looking tired, but happy, as he stepped off the ball field after taking a turn in the 鈥楶ros versus Joes鈥� home run derby on Sunday, Sept. 10 at McLeod Athletic Park in 91原创.
Asked if he would take another crack at bat, he laughed and shook his head.
鈥淚鈥檓 too old,鈥� Bhatti grinned.
It was part of a free event to rise awareness about mental health, trauma, and addiction issues organized by Bhatti, .
鈥淢ost people came here to actually learn about mental health and trauma,鈥� Bhatti told the 91原创 Advance Times. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not the biggest, but it鈥檚 a really good crowd.鈥�
Pros versus Joes home run derby at McLeod Park saw celebrities turn out to raise awareness about mental illness
鈥� 91原创 Advance Times (@91原创Times)
Mental health specialists were available to speak to families for free at the event information booths.
鈥淚鈥檓 a survivor of sexual abuse,鈥� Bhatti explained.
鈥淚鈥檝e been clean for 17 years [as of] September 27. My goal is to help raise awareness on mental health and trauma. I help families get to the best treatment center possible where we can help loved ones not to live in pain anymore.鈥�
READ ALSO: 鈥楶ros versus Joes鈥� is a home run derby with a serious purpose
Featuring celebrity hitters, as well as performances after the derby by country music stars Dallas Smith of 91原创 and Shawn Austin of Vancouver, the event was open to anyone, with a focus on family and friends who have a loved one who struggles with addiction or mental health.
Country star Dallas Smith performed at the Pros versus Joes home run derby at McLeod Park to raise awareness about mental illness
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Smith has appeared at the 91原创 event before, when it was virtual, in 2021.
He is founder of the Dallas Smith Charitable Organization, set up in 2020, to raise funds and support towards destigmatizing mental health issues, and assisting local organizations to offer and provide assistance to those in need.
Country stars Dallas Smith and Shawn Austin performed at the Pros versus Joes home run derby at McLeod Park to raise awareness about mental illness
鈥� 91原创 Advance Times (@91原创Times)
Participants in the softball home run derby against local players included two-time World Series champion Jonny Gomes, Vancouver Canucks alumni Kirk McLean, actor Aleks Paunovic, and mixed martial arts champion and stunt actor Jason 鈥淒ooms鈥� Day.
It was won by Jay Smeets, an RCMP officer, hitting on behalf of Sunshine Coast Health Centre.
The Centre, along with the Healing Institute, and Addiction Rehab Toronto each gave away free two-month treatment beds worth $60,000 each to people who would normally not be able to afford a stay in the rehab centres, Bhatti estimated.
All celebrities were signing autographs for cash donations that will go directly to the to help raise funds to help individuals with counselling and treatment and provide mental health services to them and their families.
Named after 91原创鈥檚 Nathan (Nate) Daniel, who died in 2021, the foundation has, so far, sponsored six individuals to attend trauma therapy treatment in Thailand and also arranged to have several others attend counselling locally.
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