Tema Conter gala raises funds and awareness

March 11, 2015 · 0 Comments

MC Ken Shaw and Enrico Colantoni helped raise some money during the auction.

Matthew Orlando Photography

By Mark Pavilons
The names and faces of front line responders who encounter stressful situations were in the spotlight at the 14th annual tribute gala, “Behind the Mask,” held in Vaughan recently.
Celebrating 14 years in 2015, The Tema Conter Memorial Trust (Heroes are Human) was established to offer resources and support to emergency services and military personnel. Some 600 guests attended the star-studded event.
Dignitaries and notable guests included MP Rob Clarke, Cpl. Jamie MacWhirter, Master Cpl. Paul Franklin, actor and Nobleton resident Enrico Colantoni (spokesperson and star of Remedy and Flashpoint), Mark Ellis and Stephanie Morgenstern (creators of X Company and Flashpoint) and Dr. Howard Conter (brother of the late Tema Conter and a generous supporter of the charity).
Public service and media awards were handed out. As well, several students were recognized as recipients of scholarships.
National spokesperson of Heroes are Human Enrico Colantoni brought a few of his friends from Remedy, castmates Sarah Allen, Dillon Casey and Diego Fuentes.
MP Rob Clarke spoke about how many on Parliament Hill are still reeling after the events in Ottawa, and he looks forward to members of Heroes Are Human coming to visit for “lobby days.” He also said the organization will have his support “forever.”
York Regional Police Chief Eric Jolliffe unveiled their PTSD vehicle that has the Heroes Are Human logo on the back.
Chief Norm Barrette (York EMS), and Chief Larry Bentley (Vaughan Fire) also spoke. Bentley spoke about how the issue of PTSD “is knocking” and that he is listening.
Paramedic and country music artist Kevin Davison performed his popular song, “When the Sirens Are Gone.” He is a former colleague and friend of the late RCMP officer David Wynn. Davison sang this same song at Wynn’s funeral.
The MC for the gala was CTV’s Ken Shaw, and with his help, the organization was able to raise a significant amount of fundraising dollars from the live and silent auctions.
“The Other Side of the Hero” documentary will begin production at the organization’s gala in Halifax this coming May 27. They are continuing fundraising efforts via taketheherochallenge.com.
“The entire event was a huge success, and more connections and relationships were formed this week than ever before,” said Erin Alvares, Tema’s director of media and public relations. “The amount of empathy, respect, compassion, and support shown among attendees, speakers, and staff and volunteers of the charity was absolutely overwhelming. We are truly a family, and this week our family grew.”
The gala capped of a week of educational seminars and presentations by Tema.
So far this year, four first responders and one military member have died by suicide. Between April 29 and Dec. 31, 2014, 27 first responders died by suicide, and in 2014, 19 military personnel died by suicide.
“If this isn’t a red flag, I don’t know what is,” said Heroes’ founder and executive director Vince Savoia of King City. “It is heavily disheartening that this number continues to rise. This is why events like education week are so important. We need to raise awareness and tackle the issues where they start – with those who spend their lives helping others.”
For more, visit www.tema.ca.