An Anxiety Canada Champion is an individual who is passionate about mental health, shares the organization’s vision and is interested in ‘championing’ our mission.

We are proud to recognize the following individuals as Anxiety Canada Champions:

Charlie Demers

CHARLIE DEMERS is a stand-up comedian, author, & voice actor. He is co-star of the Emmy-winning Netflix animated series ‘Beat Bugs’ & ‘The Last Kids on Earth,’ is a regular performer on CBC radio’s The Debaters, and has published six books, including several on mental health themes.

 

Charlie’s work as an Anxiety Champion began in 2016 when he performed stand-up comedy at the MindShift gala, where he won over the elegantly appointed audience despite (or because of) telling them they “looked like the bad guys from ‘Titanic.'” For many years, Charlie has discussed themes of mental illness and wellness in his comedy and, especially, in his fiction and non-fiction writing. Charlie has also shared his journey with anxiety as a guest on #OurAnxietyStories – The Anxiety Canada Podcast.

Charlie has lived with anxiety and mood disorders since childhood, including OCD, generalized anxiety, panic, and depression, all of which went undiagnosed and untreated into his early twenties. He is particularly passionate about equal public access to high-quality mental health care as well as children’s mental health, which is how he became involved in crafting Anxiety Canada’s video series for children’s and youth wellness post-pandemic.

Bruno Feldeisen

Bruno Feldeisen is a French-born Canadian chef and television personality, best known for his role as a judge on CBC’s The Great Canadian Baking Show.

 

 

Bruno’s work as an Anxiety Canada Champion began in 2016 after being introduced to Anxiety Canada by a member of our Scientific Advisory Committee.

After experiencing his first panic attack at age 34, Bruno sought professional help. Bruno recalls experiencing relief after his very first therapy appointment and goes on to say that CBT changed his life for the better. As a result, Bruno embraces his role as a mental health advocate and openly shares his experience, hopeful that it may encourage others to ask for help as well.

Bruno has supported Anxiety Canada’s efforts through videos and as a guest on #OurAnxietyStories – The Anxiety Canada Podcast.  Bruno has also contributed to Anxiety Canada’s MindShift Gala in 2016 as well as our MindShift Launch Event in 2019.

John Bateman

John Bateman is a mental health advocate and Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for the Robert Bateman Foundation.

 

 

John Bateman’s work as an Anxiety Canada Champion began in 2018 after he shared his enthusiasm for mental health and our organization.

Although John’s experience with anxiety began at a young age, it wasn’t until more recent years that he found relief through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). John is passionate about starting a conversation and sharing his experience with others in an effort to normalize anxiety.

On October 10th, 2019, John Bateman hosted  #OurAnxietyStories, where he interviewed dozens of Canadians who shared their lived experience with anxiety. #OurAnxietyStories was then transformed into #OurAnxietyStories – The Anxiety Canada Podcast, which now has 4 consecutive seasons.