Mississauga, ON – October 27, 2022
Mississauga Arts Council (MAC) is pleased to announce the winner of this year’s Arts for Mental Health Award, family physician and advocate for social justice and mental health, Dr. Colin Saldanha. Sponsored by Bell Canada, this award recognizes the work of individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to arts for mental health initiatives and is presented at MAC’s gala fundraiser for the arts, the MACsquerade Ball, returning this year on December 1st, 2022 at Le Treport.
“It is an honour to be recognized for this award. Throughout my long history of public service and as a practicing family physician for three decades, I have strived to be a strong advocate for arts for mental health initiatives, seeing first hand with my patients the life-changing difference arts programming has on mental health.” says Dr. Colin Saldanha, Arts for Mental Health Award Winner, “This is just the beginning, let’s continue the movement of ArtsCare, a pilot program that will deliver arts programs to people with mental health issues in our city that will help residents even further.”
“Dr. Saldanha is a pioneer and staunch supporter of therapeutic arts programs and is well deserving of this award,” says Mike Douglas, MAC’s Executive Director, “He has been instrumental as a member of our steering committee in assisting with developing and shaping our Arts for Mental Health Conference held in October 2021, which brought together 130 healthcare practitioners and creative sectors leaders to explore the rationale for, design and implementation of ArtsCare. Congratulations Dr. Saldanha and thank you!”
MAC will be presenting this year’s Arts for Mental Health Award to Dr. Saldanha at the return of their gala fundraiser for the arts, the MACsquerade Ball on December 1st, 2022 at Le Treport. We welcome all to attend this unforgettable celebration of the arts. Enjoy a spectacular live performance by award-winning singer/songwriter, Suzie McNeil and jazz trio, KHAY, a delicious gourmet dinner, live and silent auctions and lots of dancing in support of the Mississauga arts community. Early bird ticket sales have been extended to October 31st at 11:59 PM. Get your ticket and see the award presentation live: bit.ly/MACSQUERADE22
About Dr. Colin Saldanha
Dr. Colin Saldanha is a family physician with a long and distinguished history of public service and a strong advocate for social justice and mental health. He has been practicing medicine for over three decades while tirelessly volunteering in his community charging the Peel Police Services Board, Mississauga Board of Trade United Way, the health policy committee of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and has also been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Ontario Museum. As Chair of the Public Policy Committee of United Way of Peel Region, he initiated a non-pharmacological approach to mental health.
About MAC’s Arts for Mental Health Award
MAC’s Arts for Mental Health Award recognizes leaders and organizations which improve the health of individuals through arts programs and activities. Sponsored by Bell, this award is presented annually at the MACsquerade Ball to celebrate the achievements of individuals and organizations that are making a difference in our community. Previous winners include Mind Forward Brain Injury Services (2018), Anna Silgardo (Artists in Momentum, 2019, Susan Ksiezopolski (WriteWell, 2021)
Learn more: mississaugaartscouncil.com/arts-for-mental-health-award/
MAC’s Arts for Mental Health Award is sponsored by Bell Canada.
