Blake Ellis/The Independent

Operation Talk 2 Me Johnny handed out over $25,000 to groups supporting people with mental health issues.

The organization held its annual Family Fun Day at the Brigden Fairgrounds last Saturday. Operation Talk 2 Me Johnny was launched in May 2023 by the family of Canadian Armed Forces veteran Sergeant John Little of Wyoming, 18 months after he died by suicide.

The organization promotes the need for mental health services and shares money raised with organizations helping people battle mental health challenges. The main focus is to help military veterans, police, fire and ambulance personnel.

There were four donations made at the conclusion of last Saturday’s event as The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 447. Battle Buddies Canine and Three Oaks Cabin each received a donation of $7,500.

Battle Buddies Canine, based in Strathroy, pairs military veterans who are dealing with PTSD with a service dog.

Three Oaks Cabin in Dawn-Euphemia offers a respite cabin where farmers and first responders can find refuge from stress and anxiety.

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 447 in Corunna is looking to revamp its cenotaph and Operation Talk 2 Me Johnny gave a donation of $2,000 to go towards its Afghanistan plaque.

It also gave $1,000 to Sea to Sea for PTSD, a non profit that is focused on breaking the stigma around PTSD in public safety, military and veteran communities.