Donuts and Conversations about Mens Mental Health in the Bow Valley (FREE EVENT)

Thursday, March 20th 2025

5:45pm arrival, 6pm-8pm

Banff Ave Brewing Co, 110 Banff Ave (alcohol free event)

Join us for an open and honest panel discussion with men in our community. They’ll share insights on resilience, support and the power of honest conversations, all over free donuts.

Hear stories from a former first responder navigating life after a spinal injury, an Indigenous mental health advocate, a snowboarder who found help through therapy and open conversations, and a longtime biathlon coach and former detective who has worked in partner assault and child abuse investigations.

This event is open to all men and all people who support men

(over the age of 15). There is no pressure to share or speak if you’d rather just listen and be present.

What to expect: Together, we’ll share space for our four panelists to share their stories, and then we will have group table discussions after each story.

You are welcome to participate in any way that feels comfortable. There is no pressure to share or speak if you’d rather just listen and be present.

Schedule of Events:

• 5:45pm Arrival & Welcome: Settle in, grab a donut and something to drink
• 6pm Introduction from Mak (Frankie D's Donuts) and Cheryl (Mo Valley). They will also share guidelines for the space
• 6:15pm 4 panelists sharing their stories, with a table group discussion after each story
• 7:45pm Sharing Circle: A space to share thoughts, feelings, or reflections from the event.
• 7:55pm Closing: Final reflections and resources for ongoing support

Parking: behind the Clocktower Mall in the parking lot at Beaver/Buffalo (or street parking on Beaver). The other closest parking lot would be the Bear St Parkade (by Nesters Market)

Venue Accessibility: venue is wheelchair accessible. There is elevator access in the Clocktower Mall and a staircase up to the venue (left at the top of the stairs)

Bathrooms: single stall bathrooms in the hallway outside of venue space 

Seating Options: Chairs will be available for all participants. You are welcome to stand, sit, or move around as needed. If you prefer to sit closer to the front or need a specific seating arrangement, please let us know in advance or speak to a volunteer upon arrival.

Flooring: The room itself is free of tripping hazards, and walkways will be kept clear.

Scents: This event is not officially scent-free, but we kindly ask participants to avoid wearing strong perfumes or scented products to make the space more comfortable for those with scent sensitivities.

Lighting & Visibility: There will be no flashing lights or sudden visual effects. If you need to sit closer for better visibility, you are welcome to do so.

Acoustics: The facilitator will use a microphone to ensure everyone can hear comfortably.

Language & Communication: The presentation and sharing will be in english. If you need interpretation or any other communications needs, please email Mak at hello@frankiedsdonuts.com

Food & Drinks: Frankie D’s Donuts will be provided. Frankie D’s Donuts may contain trace allergens due to shared kitchen facilities. They are made in a facility where nuts are present. Ingredients in the Donuts include flour, salt, milk, butter, eggs, yeast, sugar, and other possible trace allergens. Additionally, Frankie D’s glazes contain a variety of ingredients. If you have an allergy, please inquire before consuming.

We will have some GF and Vegan Donuts available. These products are sourced from external suppliers, and we cannot oversee every ingredient or allergen present in these products. They may contain nuts and other trace allergens.

Contact Us
For questions or accommodations, email Makaylah at hello@frankiedsdonuts.com (at least 48 hours before the event).

Event Feedback
We value your feedback! You can share it through a feedback form at the event, or email Makaylah afterward at hello@frankiedsdonuts.com.

Thank you to our funding partners and sponsors: Banff Canmore Foundation and Pauw Foundation