Meet The SHINE2018 Team - Lisa Callender

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Please share a little bit about who you are and what you do.

I’m an Ottawa native who fell in love with Vancouver and am happy to be able to call the coast home for 13 years now. I’m an Aries who loves the sun and the ocean and I am a hairstylist at Volume and a teacher at Blanche MacDonald.

How did you meet Dean Thullner?

I met Dean back when SHINE was still called “Brilliant”. I came on as the lead creative director for the school’s portion of the show. Dean is an amazing person and I am so fortunate to have been asked to join the team. It’s been four years and I love more every year!

You are part of the SHINE2018 team. What is your position on the SHINE team and what does your work entail?

Well I started as creative director for the students, but in 2015 I was asked to also be the assistant stage manager in tandem with the creative director role. Then I was honored to be the stage manager for “Red” – the positive living society fundraiser – in 2017. This year, I’ll be the stage manager for SHINE. Being a part of “SHINE” has allowed me to wear lots of different hats and it’s been a wonderful learning experience – and lots of fun!

What is your "why"? Why were you drawn to offer your talents in support of this specific charity fundraiser?

I first heard about “SHINE” back when it was called “Brilliant” through one of my colleagues at Blanche MacDonald. I thought that it was an awesome cause and I wanted to get involved right away – I mean, doing what I love while also making a social impact? – it was a no-brainer.

SHINE2018 has the hashstag #nostigma, and the funds raised are earmarked for programs servicing those struggling with mental illness and addiction. Was this a part of your reason for volunteering? If so, please share a little bit about your passion for this cause.

Living in Vancouver has been a real eye opener in terms of recognizing what far-reaching impacts addiction and mental health can have on a person’s life. But it is actually a cause really close to my heart – a close family member suffers with depression and I’ve lost friends to overdoses. It’s hard to see or know that someone is struggling with something and you feel powerless to help. So I guess this is my way of fighting for those friends and family in the best way I know how.

What are you most looking forward to at SHINE2018 in terms of the amazing show being created?

Everything!! Collaborations with designers and salons, performances, even the late nights – it’s all so much fun and I can’t wait to get started!

Any last thing you'd like to share - a quote, a thought, an encouragement for people to attend and/or donate. 

I think Margaret Mead said: “All social change comes for the passion of individuals” – and that is exactly what “Shine” is all about.



Links - 
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Get your tickets as early as possible as this is a SELLOUT every year. They are available on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/shine2018-tickets-41429908973

For more information on Shine 2018, please visit their website at www.shinenostigma.ca/.


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