Year 4                                                  2001-2002

Often, when a person is feeling suicidal, one brief contact with the right person can make the difference between hope and despair, life and death.   Even one person who shows he cares can be the vital life line that persuades a despairing individual to choose life.  For each of us, knowing we are valued and that we somehow make a difference gives us tremendous encouragement to carry on, in spite of life’s struggles.

“Pay It Forward” was an undertaking of the Camrose Yellow Ribbon Suicide Awareness Committee to encourage all of us to tell people that they have touched our lives in positive ways.  The project was officially launched on January 31, 2002, with a free showing of the movie, “Pay It Forward.”  While no cash admission was charged, movie-goers were encouraged to model the “Pay It Forward” concept by making a donation of food to the Food Bank.  During the five weeks following the launch, volunteers were in selected retail and school locations around the City of Camrose to distribute blank note cards.  Each person received three blank note cards; in one of these he/she was asked to write a personal note to someone who has made a positive difference for him/her.  This card was then delivered with the remaining two blank cards to their chosen person.  The recipient then repeats the process, giving a personal note and the one remaining blank card to someone who has made a difference for him/her. The fourth person in this human chain uses the final blank card to thank to someone else who has made a difference.

Each card came with a yellow ribbon attached and each recipient was encouraged to wear the ribbon as a sign they have touched someone’s life in a meaningful way.  Each card also contained contact information for the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Awareness Committee and an invitation for each recipient to share how the project affected them.

This endeavor was made possible through a partnership with Duggan Cinemas and funding from AADAC, East Central Health, Bashaw and District Support Services, Camrose and District Support Services and donations made to the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Awareness Committee. 
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