Humboldt Broncos’ fans witnessed the power of being Better Together on Friday night. It wasn’t only about the teamwork that brought the win home. It’s about the importance of reaching out to one another, a simple gesture, or for that matter, even wearing a T-shirt.

Deb McNabb, founder of the Better Together organization, returned to Humboldt and area for a visit and for the game on Friday. The viral movement has impacted many lives with its messages of mental health and resilience through interpersonal connection. Deb dropped the puck at the opening of the Broncos - Millionaires game after a visit to Discover Humboldt and 107.5 Bolt FM studios for an update. McNabb announced some great new allies for the cause.  

“I’m really excited about the CJHL; their mission statement this year is ‘together, we are better.’”, says McNabb. “The statement that I make everywhere I go is that connected communities are healthy communities and we are better together, so I love that the CJHL has made that their mission, their mandate, and their vision for this year. And the SJHL has come on board.”

Thus far, three of the eight SJHL teams are sporting the iconic “Better Together” gear, with commonly matched pairings like milk and cookies or peanut butter and jelly, suggesting that life’s trials go smoother when we’re together. The Humboldt Broncos got together with McNabb for some pre-skate encouragement on Friday and we’re out and about sporting their new “besties” gear. The Broncos team is an integral part of the community, and the players become excellent new ambassadors for the message of wellness. 

During her visit, McNabb was anxious to connect with Mayor Michael Behiel and with students from St. Augustine and Muenster schools. Other schools like Bruno, Annaheim and St. Brieux have hopped onto the movement at previous events, and McNabb is hoping to be back connecting with those friends. St. Mary’s Villa was the next stop to drop off gear for some of the care providers. 

I’m going to challenge the care providers in this community to war and share our message,” McNabb said. “We have a ‘bestie’ for caregivers - there’s over 5000 being worn across Canada today, and I’m really excited about how our regular citizens can connect to them. 

McNabb commented on research that shows one in three Canadians experiences loneliness, an epidemic that leads to detrimental health effects. 

“We need somebody to know us, understand us, listen to us to share their story and hear ours.”

McNabb’s enthusiasm for the cause is infectious, and her message is clear. Together Tuesdays, a day to wear Better Together gear and be active in supporting others in the community, is as simple as a t-shirt and gestures of outreach. Find out more and get your gear at https://bettertogethersk.ca/.