Northern teen gives back to mental health treatment centre

Sep 23, 2026 | 5:35 PM

A teenage girl from Stanley Mission is giving back to the people who helped her when she was in a very dark place.

September is Suicide Prevention Month in Canada, serving as a dedicated time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and share resources. Throughout the month 17-year-old Alyssa raised nearly $500 through cupcake sales and then used the money to buy pajamas for youth staying at the Dube Child and Mental Health Centre in Saskatoon.

“I think it made me feel a lot better about everything. It made me feel happy to give back to a place that was really important,” she said.

(Image Credit: Submitted photo.)

Alyssa stayed at the centre in both 2024 and 2025, and acknowledging feelings of self harm, said the support she received from staff and the people she talked to, helped her with her own healing journey. She was asked by paNOW what advice she might offer to other youth who are struggling.

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“Just a reminder that all of the times you think you can’t make it out, there’s always a way out.”

For the fundraiser Alyssa made 90 cupcakes and she admitted she never thought she would raise this much money.

“It was really unexpected how much money I did make. I am so happy to be in a community that supports me this much,” she said.

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of self harm, contact the Suicide Crisis Helpline. Call or text 9-8-8. Heath line 8-1-1 is also available for 24/7 mental health and addiction support provided by a qualified health practitioner in Saskatchewan.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

Northern teen gives back to mental health treatment centre

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