By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School hosted this year’s annual Paint the Town event, bringing together young artists, community members, and supporters for an evening dedicated to creativity and mental health awareness. Presented by the Halton Regional Police Service, the Halton District School Board, and the Halton Catholic District School Board, this year’s event followed the theme “Adventure Awaits!” and aimed to raise funds for the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation’s For All Minds campaign, supporting the redevelopment and expansion of the hospital’s Mental Health and Addictions unit.
“This year, the event again supports the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation. Last year it did as well, but before that, we changed it up every couple of years depending on where the needs were,” said Inspector Dwayne Perron, of the District Operations division.
Beyond showcasing their artistic talent, Paint the Town provides high school students across Burlington an opportunity to earn up to 25 of their mandatory 40 community service hours.
“It’s truly an honour to showcase the talents of our young artists while partnering with the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation. Our Community Mobilization Bureau officers have done a great job working with schools and youth to make this event possible,” Perron added.
Though unable to attend in person, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward sent a heartfelt video message praising the young artists.
“Founded in 2009, Paint the Town gives local students a platform to showcase their creativity. Each year, there’s a new theme — this year’s “Adventure Awaits!” is particularly inspiring. I encourage everyone to see the artwork — it’s incredible! I even have a piece from last year’s collection hanging proudly in my home.”
Last year’s event raised $2,865, contributing to a total of $15,455 raised to date. This year, organizers aimed to surpass that amount, with a minimum bid of $25 per painting.
“Students spend months working on their pieces, often using their own time outside of class,” Meed Ward noted. “Last year, we raised an astonishing $9,000 for inpatient mental health.”
Deepa Ganatra, board chair of the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation, emphasized the growing need for mental health support.
“One in five Canadians experience a mental health issue in any given year, and by age 40, half the population will have faced a mental illness. The demand for mental health care at JBH [Joseph Brant Hospital] has grown 23% in the last year alone. Funds raised tonight will support the expansion of our Mental Health and Addictions unit, ensuring timely, high-quality care for our community.”
The event’s success also relied on dedicated teachers who identified students with exceptional artistic abilities.
“There are so many talented artists, but this year, I wanted to involve some of our grade 9 students. Usually, senior students participate, but I saw this as a great opportunity to include younger students as well,” said Anna Diehl, a teacher at Dr. Frank Hayden Secondary School and the evening’s emcee.
For many students, art is more than just a hobby — it’s a therapeutic outlet.
“I love nature, so when I thought of adventure, I envisioned travelling and exploring the outdoors,” said Sophia Teixeira, a grade 12 student at Corpus Christi Catholic Secondary School. “Painting is so relaxing for me and really benefits my mental health.”
Perron highlighted the event’s deeper impact.
“It’s amazing — each of you has taught us something new. Paint the Town is more than just an art showcase; it’s about connection, relationships, and community.”
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Halton Regional Police Service, Halton District School Board, Halton Catholic District School Board, Funding Innovation, and Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School, Paint the Town 2025 was not just a celebration of artistic talent but a meaningful contribution to mental health support — proving once again that art has the power to inspire change.
