The Beefeater Plaza was packed last night as the Estevan Community Wellness Committee hosted the inaugural Courage and Community Dinner, drawing nearly 300 attendees in support of the event.
The dinner, which coincided with Blue Monday — often called the saddest day of the year — aimed to unite community members and raise awareness about mental health resources.
Shelly Veroba, chair of the Community Wellness Group, described the event as a success, noting attendance exceeded expectations. “It went exactly how we wanted it to go,” she said.
Brad Siroski, the keynote speaker, shared his personal experience with mental health and addiction.
Growing up in small-town Saskatchewan, Siroski endured emotional and physical abuse, which led to struggles with self-worth, anxiety, and depression. He turned to alcohol, and his substance abuse later escalated to drugs.
After suffering a heart attack at 31, linked to substance abuse and stress, he achieved two years of sobriety but relapsed due to unresolved trauma. In 2012, Siroski joined the Teen Challenge recovery program and embraced healthier physical, mental, and spiritual habits.
Despite facing setbacks — including a cancer diagnosis and career changes — Siroski persevered. He furthered his education in both Western and Indigenous approaches to mental health. Now an award-winning program designer, public speaker, and best-selling author, Siroski advocates for trauma-informed care and eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health struggles.
His philosophy centres on self-forgiveness, resilience, and the importance of sharing struggles, especially among men, who often avoid vulnerability. Siroski also emphasizes the value of setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and surrounding oneself with a supportive community. Drawing inspiration from Indigenous teachings, he integrates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness into recovery.
With his mantra, "Revealing is Healing," Siroski encourages others to seek community support and embrace holistic wellness to overcome adversity.
Veroba noted that the event’s success suggests a larger venue may be necessary next year to accommodate the demand for tickets.
“So, I think the planning for next year will already start in the near future because we saw how great it can be,” she said. “It wasn’t just the business community; there were a lot of people who came with simple tickets because they wanted to see what the night was all about. It was really great to feel a true community event.”
She also said that Blue Monday provided a unique opportunity for reflection. “Some people didn’t even know Blue Monday had a name or was considered the saddest day of the year. It gave people something to talk about, something to think about,” Veroba said.
Veroba emphasized that the event would become an annual tradition on Blue Monday, which is the third Monday in January.
Siroski’s message resonated strongly with attendees. “Nobody should ever give up. You’ve got to keep trying. That’s what mental wellness is about. We all go through trials in life, some larger than others, but they are all equally important,” Veroba said.
The event also helped raise awareness about mental health resources available within the community. “Once you start recognizing what we already have in our community, it’s amazing,” Veroba said.
Stacey Wempe provided goodie bags with copies of her book A Million Times We Cry, and Envision Counselling ran a 50/50 draw.
Looking ahead, organizers plan to expand community initiatives, starting with monthly community game nights hosted at Estevan Comprehensive High School. The initiative aims to provide relaxation, connection, and fun for people of all ages.
Veroba thanked sponsors and volunteers, including Murray GM, Stacy Wempe, Souris Family Pharmacy, Lemon Wedge Marketing, McGillciky Oilfield, SADD, and Kingston Midstream. “Thank you to everyone who attended and supported us,” she said.