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Morinville youth honoured as Great Kid

A Morinville youth has received a provincial award for speaking out about the risks of suicide.
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GREAT KID — Blair Lobsinger of Morinville was one of about 16 youths who received a Great Kid Award from Alberta Children's Services Minister Danielle Larivee at the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton Sunday. Lobsinger, 16, was recognized for his efforts to promote mental health awareness following the death by suicide of his mother when he was 11. His efforts have raised roughly $200,000 to have motivational speaker Robb Nash talk to students across Canada about suicide.

Blair Lobsinger was just 11 when his mother Jeanelle committed suicide.

Lobsinger, now 16, said he remembers how his dad showed up at school one day and gave him his cell-phone back. When he called home later to ask if a friend could sleep over, his dad told him no and to come home right away. He walked home and saw his family gathered in the living room. That’s when his dad told him what had happened.

“At first it was a big shock, and nothing really hit me,” said Lobsinger, who lives in Morinville. It wasn’t until the next day that the feelings kicked in.

Lobsinger could easily have withdrawn and fallen into depression from his experience. Instead, he’s spent the last four years doing public speaking about suicide and mental health awareness, raising some $360,000 for mental health services in the process.

Lobsinger was one of the 16 young Albertans to receive a Great Kid Award last Sunday at the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton. This provincial award recognizes young leaders aged 5 to 18 who inspire others by overcoming challenging obstacles and building stronger communities.

Lobsinger has shown tremendous strength and resilience in reaching out to help others after such a trial, said Alberta Children’s Services Minister Danielle Larivee, who gave out the awards.

“To have that experience at such a young age, I can’t even imagine how difficult that was for him.”

In memory of “Nelly”

Jeanelle “Nelly” Vachon-Lobsinger died at age 31, leaving behind a husband and two children, said Lobsinger’s grandmother, Christine Vachon.

Vachon said she and her sisters started the Soul Sisters Memorial Foundation after Jeanelle’s death to promote mental health awareness. The group now runs monthly workshops, operates a crisis hotline, and raises money for mental health promotion groups.

Lobsinger said he started speaking about his experience for the Soul Sisters after seeing a show by Robb Nash – a Canadian rock star who speaks to students across the nation about suicide and mental health. Hearing how Nash overcame his struggle with suicidal thoughts and depression gave Lobsinger the courage to cope with his loss, and he wanted to help Nash reach more students.

Lobsinger is now one of the keynote speakers at the Soul Sisters' annual “Nelly’s Project” fundraiser, Vachon said. His words have helped the group raise some $360,000 for the Robb Nash Project, the Pilgrim’s Hospice, and Westlock Victim Services.

“Robb Nash keeps teasing that he would take (Lobsinger) on the road with him,” Vachon said, adding that Lobsinger already helps him set up for performances when he can.

Tragedy can tear people, families, and communities apart, but Lobsinger not only survived it, but chose to use his experience to help others, said Nash in an email – a decision very few would make, especially at such a young age.

“Blair is one of the most amazing people I have ever met,” he said.

Lobsinger said he planned to continue to speak out about suicide so that no one else has to go through what he did.

Suicide and mental illness aren’t something you can sweep under the rug, he continued. If you see a friend who seems down or is having an off day, ask them about it and be there for them as a sounding board – showing them that they’re not alone could make all the difference.

Lobsinger said this award was bittersweet given the circumstances behind it. Still, he thinks his mom would be happy to see him up on stage getting it.

“I think she’d be really proud of what I’m doing and what I’ve accomplished so far, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.”

This year’s Great Kid Award winners received a trophy and an iPad. Visit greatkids.alberta.ca for a list of this year’s recipients.




Kevin Ma

About the Author: Kevin Ma

Kevin Ma joined the St. Albert Gazette in 2006. He writes about Sturgeon County, education, the environment, agriculture, science and aboriginal affairs. He also contributes features, photographs and video.
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