Bell congratulates NHL clubs for their leadership in building awareness about mental health through Hockey Talks

• Canadian NHL teams and the National Hockey League announce Hockey Talks to create national conversation about mental health and wellness
• Bell Let's Talk Day is February 12, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk

MONTREAL, Feb. 1, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell congratulates the Canadian NHL clubs for their outstanding support and leadership in helping to increase awareness about mental health during the month of February with the newly launched Hockey Talks.

Hockey Talks is a month-long initiative to create a national conversation and increase awareness about mental health and wellness. All 7 Canadian NHL teams - Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Montréal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets - are lending their support by dedicating a game night in each respective city to Hockey Talks. The objective of Hockey Talks is to shine a spotlight on mental illness and the stigma that is still attached to it today.

"Bell is delighted that the Canadian NHL clubs and the League have teamed up to lend their voices to the conversation about mental health," said Mary Deacon, Chair of the Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative. "Mental illness affects 1 in 5 Canadians and every day 500,000 Canadians miss work due to this often invisible illness. This cooperative effort is key to increasing awareness, acceptance and action for those who struggle with mental illness."

Throughout February, Bell will be partnering with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Montréal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators to promote mental health and help build awareness amongst hockey fans. The Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative will be featured during the following Hockey Talks game nights:

• February 2 - Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Boston Bruins
• February 6 - Montréal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins
• February 23 - Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs - Bell Hockey Talks Mental Health Awareness night in support of DIFD

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.

Bell Let's Talk Day is February 12
For every text message sent and every long distance call made by Bell and Bell Aliant customers on February 12, every tweet using #BellLetsTalk and, every Facebook share of our Bell Let's Talk message, Bell will donate 5 cents more to programs dedicated to mental health (regular long distance and text charges apply). Last year's Bell Let's Talk Day raised $3,926,014.20 in additional funding for mental health initiatives across the country.

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 IP-broadband and information and communications technology (ICT) services. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital media, including CTV, Canada's #1 television network, and the country's most-watched specialty channels. 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