Brittany’s Story
Extraordinary Volunteer that Goes the Extra Mile
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without Robb’s message,” says Brittany. “He’s helped me so much and that’s why I want to give back. I’m really thankful for him and what he’s done for me and for so many others. I’m so grateful for The Project.”
Brittany has volunteered at 32 Robb Nash Project concerts over the years across all three prairie provinces and says she’ll keep going as long as she is needed.
“When I heard there were going to be two concerts in Winnipeg after the three-year pause, I couldn’t wait to let the team know that they could count on me to help. Winnipeg isn’t that far from Regina and this organization is like family, so I took some holidays from my work to be there,” says Brittany.
“He’s helped me so much and that’s why I want to give back.”
Brittany didn’t start out as a volunteer. She was first introduced to The Robb Nash Project in Regina back in 2011 when she was just 17. She admits she was in a very low place at that time and didn’t even want to attend the concert with her youth group because she thought it would be lame.
“Boy, was I wrong,” she laughs. “I’m so glad I attended. His message hit me. It really had an impact.”
“It really had an impact.”
At that time Brittany was struggling with low self-esteem, suicidal ideation and was self-harming. She said cutting was a way for her to override the emotional pain. She had been dealing with tremendous grief after losing both her friend and her grandpa and each day felt like a struggle to keep going.
“I was very close with my grandpa and I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye. I struggled with that and Robb’s message, ‘pain doesn’t go away, but neither does the strength’ really helped me. That’s why I got a tattoo of those words where I used to cut. Robb makes people feel like they matter and they have the strength inside themselves to keep going.”
“That’s why I got a tattoo of those words where I used to cut.”
She says her first Robb Nash inspired tattoo was “Make today count”.
Brittany has taken these messages to heart and even volunteers her time as a speaker with the Schizophrenia Society. She visits schools, and reservations in Saskatchewan talking about her own mental health journey with the hope that it will help others. Robb’s message ‘someone needs your story’ resonated with her and she’s made a point of telling hers.
She says her first Robb Nash inspired tattoo was “Make today count”.
“Mental health needs to be talked about more. There’s still such a stigma with it,” says Brittany. “If there’s something I can do to help someone else, I will.” Brittany even donated her honourariums from speaking engagements to The Robb Nash Project. “I just want to help The Project to help more people like I was helped. I still struggle at times with my mental health, but now have the tools and the strength to keep going.”
“If there’s something I can do to help someone else, I will.”
Brittany’s mom, Colleen is also a big fan of The Robb Nash Project and has been a steadfast volunteer since 2014, after seeing the difference it has made in her daughter’s life. Colleen and stepdad, Ron, joined Brittany for the Winnipeg concerts in May.
Colleen has also offered to help organize details for the concerts and recruit volunteers when The Project returns to Regina, just as she has done in the past. She’s helped The Robb Nash Project organize 4 shows in Regina over the years, reaching 7,700 students and staff and she plans to continue helping in the new school year.
“The Robb Nash Project has given Brittany many opportunities to make a positive difference in many lives including myself,” says Colleen. “The Project helped Brittany on her journey toward better mental health, especially with her anxiety and depression. I think it’s remarkable for someone with anxiety to share their journey. I am very proud of her. Thank you, Robb and team for making me realize how important mental health is. Thank you for helping Brittany.”
“The Project helped Brittany on her journey toward better mental health.” - Colleen
“I still struggle at times with my mental health, but now have the tools and the strength to keep going.”
— Brittany