The 2017 Royal Inspiration 14th Annual Awards Gala

Her Excellency Sharon Johnston received The Royal’s 2017 Honorary Inspiration Award during the organization’s 14th Annual Inspiration Awards Gala on March 3, 2017 at the Delta Ottawa City Centre. The awards are a celebration of the incredible contributions being made to mental health.

Their Excellencies with Mrs. Nancy Stanton, Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health (between Their Excellencies) and Ms. Rachel Scott-Mignon (left). During the event, in addition to the award received by Her Excellency, the following awards were presented to deserving recipients in the following categories: Youth Inspiration, Young Researcher, Personal Inspiration, Community Inspiration and Leader for Mental Health.

A video highlighting how Her Excellency adds her voice to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness was presented.

Her Excellency was the last recipient to receive her award. Ms. Nancy Stanton and Rachel Scott-Mignon both introduced Mrs. Johnston.

"No one ever imagines he or she will be standing on a platform being recognized for inspiring people about mental health. But not imagining does not lessen the pride I feel tonight on receiving the Royal’s Inspiration award," said Mrs. Johnston. "People with serious mental illness have families, hobbies, talents, quirks and passions just like you and me. Let us all get to know each other, and that harmful and counterproductive fear will go away."