Bell thanks leading Canadian organizations for joining the conversation about mental health

• Range of partners, competitors and other organizations step up to support the Bell Let's Talk Day anti-stigma campaign
• Bell Let's Talk Day is tomorrow February 12: To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk

MONTREAL, Feb. 11, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell is pleased today to recognize and thank the many corporations and other organizations that have stepped up to join the conversation about Canadian mental health on Bell Let's Talk Day. Their support is helping to promote discussion about the impact of mental illness on Canadian lives and our national economy, helping to reduce the stigma around this pervasive but often overlooked health concern.

"The Bell Let's Talk team appreciates so much the gracious support of the many leading companies, national organizations and community groups that have joined us in the conversation about mental health," said Clara Hughes, Canada's six-time Olympic medallist and national spokesperson for Bell Let's Talk. "This great cooperative effort is key to increasing awareness, acceptance and action for those who struggle with mental illness. On February 12, let's talk about mental health!"

Bell Let's Talk 2013 is supported by a major national promotional and education campaign featuring Clara and fellow Bell Let's Talk ambassadors Stefie Shock, Michel Mpambara and Seamus O'Regan. The team thanks these leading organizations for their generous assistance in getting the message out:

• Astral Media
• Basketball Canada
• Bell Media
• CBC / SRC
• CBS Outdoor
• Calgary Stampede
• Canadian Armed Forces
• Canadian Curling Association
• Canadian Olympic Committee
• Canadian Paralympic Committee
• Canadian Soccer Association
• Festival d'été de Québec
• Festival International de Jazz de Montréal
• Gesca Limitée
• Globe and Mail
• Lamar Advertising
• Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment
• Microsoft Canada
• Montréal Canadiens
• National Basketball Association
• National Football League
• National Hockey League
• National Hockey League Players' Association
• National Post / Postmedia Network
• Ottawa Senators
• Pattison Outdoor
• Rogers Communications
• Toronto International Film Festival
• Toronto Star/Torstar Corporation
• Vancouver Whitecaps FC
• And 200 other Canadian companies that participated in the Bell Event in support of mental health - which raised $1.5 million in new funding for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

These organizations are providing a variety of platforms for the Bell Let's Talk message, including newspaper, radio, TV, out-of-home and online advertising, rink boards at major sports arenas, promotional events, and coverage dedicated to the discussion and advancement of mental health. In addition, more than 100 Bell community and mental health partners, as well as chambers of commerce, colleges and universities across Canada are helping spread the word through events, social media, websites, and newsletters.

Bell Let's Talk Day is tomorrow!
Bell Let's Talk Day is a major driver of Bell's funding for Canadian mental health programs. On February 12, every text message and long distance call made by Bell and Bell Aliant customers, and every tweet using #BellLetsTalk and every Facebook share of the Bell Let's Talk image, means 5 cents more for mental health. Last year, the communications sent by over 8 million participants across Canada resulted in $3,926,014.20 more Bell funding for mental health initiatives.

The Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative is a 5-year, $50-million charitable program based on 4 action pillars: Anti-stigma, care and access, research, and workplace best practices. With Bell Let's Talk Day as its anti-stigma centrepiece, Bell's initiative is providing significant funding for leading mental health hospitals and grassroots organizations, driving new workplace initiatives across corporate Canada, and supporting new research.

About Bell
Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers and business with solutions to all their communications needs: Bell Mobility wireless, high-speed Bell Internet, Bell Satellite TV and Bell Fibe TV, Bell Home Phone local and long distance, and Bell Business Markets broadband network, ICT, and data hosting services. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital media. Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE). For Bell products and services, please visit Bell.ca. For BCE corporate information, please visit BCE.ca.

SOURCE: Bell Canada