Re-Printed from C/S Info:
Dear Subscribers,
On extremely rare occasions the Info Centre has sent out an alert about a time-sensitive issue of broad significance to the Toronto consumer/survivor community.
We would like to inform you about a children’s Halloween event called Powerhouse of Terror, planned to be held in Toronto from October 28 – 31 at the Power House, built in 1936 by the patients of the Mimico Lunatic Asylum. The event is being widely criticized by many prominent consumer/survivor activists. Visit Powerhouse of Terror http://charityhaunt.ca/indexb.php for details about the event and its treatment of issues related to mental illness.
Here are some excerpts from the event’s promotional website:
Nestled in the grounds of the former Lakeshore Psychiatric Centre, dare yourself to enter what some consider, one of the most haunted buildings in Toronto. In the Power House of Terror... you will experience fear at its deepest level.
Included among the “5 Terrifying Attractions!!!”:
- Enter...if you dare...a maze of ultimate madness. Once you enter The Asylum there is no escape. Whatever you do stay together and do not make eye contact if you want to survive
And:
Side Show Attraction - $5 or Free with purchase of Tee Shirt!
- A Personal, Solo, Extreme Experience involving all the senses. Ever been in a real coffin before? Experience a simulated burial and get buried alive! This ride allows you to lie in a REAL coffin and feel what it would be like to be buried alive. If you�re claustrophobic, now is time to test your bravery.
Local anti-poverty advocate Pat Capponi sent the following email to president.office@sickkidsfoundation.com
in response to the planned event.
Subject: “asylum of terror = fundraising on the backs of the misery and deaths of patients of the lakeshore hospital”.
“Sir or Madam,
One in five children will experience mental illness. Maybe one of those one in five will tour the awful, regressive Asylum on the grounds of the old Lakeshore Hospital, and see how the mentally ill are portrayed. Do you think that this is right or fair for Sick kids to be involved in? Those of us who have experienced mental illness and the stigma and prejudice against us really don't need this. Shame on you, and shame on your foundation for adding to the burden..and creating further reasons for people not to admit they need help.
Pat Capponi
Voices from the Street”
The Hospital for Sick Kids is the beneficiary of this fundraising event. Ted Garrad, the president and CEO of Sick Kids Foundation, the fundraising organization for the Hospital for Sick Kids, has responded to community outrage as follows. He states“We certainly do not condone any activities that would deliberately stigmatize people with mental illness and will work with the event organizers, event sponsors and community organizations to ensure this does not happen.”
Concerns remain that his response is very general and does not specify what concrete actions he will take. He has been asked by community activists to provide a more satisfactory response.
If you would like to share your views with Ted Garrad and/or the event organizers they may be contacted at:
info@charityhaunt.ca or 416-356-7689. president.office@sickkidsfoundation.com 416-813-6166 or1-800-661-1083
Colleen and Helen
C/S Info
