Dr. Frank J. Hayden SS Hosts Annual Paint the Town Event in Support of Joseph Brant Hospital
Dr. Frank J. Hayden SS hosted 2025 Paint the Town, presented by the Halton Regional Police Service. The event brought together young artists and community members in support of Joseph Brant Hospital's redevelopment and expansion of the Mental Health and Addictions unit.
Young artists from the Halton District School Board and the Halton Catholic District School Board created works of art to be auctioned that fit with this year’s theme: “Adventure Awaits!” Attendees enjoyed a vibrant showcase of student artwork while raising funds for the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation’s For All Minds campaign, which supports the redevelopment and expansion of the hospital’s Mental Health and Addictions unit.
“Paint the Town is an incredible opportunity for students to not only share their amazing artistic skill, but also to create deeper and meaningful connections within their community,” said Dr. Frank J. Hayden SS teacher Anna Diehl. “Students are given the opportunity to collaborate with teachers and other caring adults to create something beautiful and meaningful, knowing that their hard work is contributing directly to mental health care through the For All Minds Campaign and the redevelopment and expansion of the Mental Health and Addictions Unit at Joseph Brant Hospital.”
For many student artists, contributing to this event was an impactful experience.
"I was honoured when Ms. Diehl invited me to create an art piece for Paint the Town," said James Lawson, a Grade 9 student at Dr. Frank J. Hayden SS. "Art has always been a meaningful part of my life, with its ability to bring people together. The moment I learned that my artwork would support the Mental Health and Addictions Program, I immediately accepted the opportunity. This cause remains deeply important, and being able to contribute in this way is truly meaningful to me."
Fellow Grade 9 student Alice Li shared a similar sentiment: “I wanted to donate my painting to support this amazing cause, Paint the Town, because art has the power to bring hope and healing. Contributing to this year's event allowed me to give back to the community and help make a difference for everyone and their families at the Joseph Brant Hospital!”
Through their creativity and generosity, these students—and many others—demonstrated the power of art to inspire change and support mental health initiatives in the community.
Working with Halton Regional Police Service to support Paint the Town reflects the Halton District School Board’s 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan commitment to Mental Health and Well-Being, as well as Kindness, Connection and Community. By bringing students, educators, and community members together in support of mental health initiatives, the event fostered a sense of belonging and collective care. Through their artwork, students used creativity as a means of self-expression and advocacy, raising awareness about mental health while supporting the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation’s For All Minds campaign. This event exemplifies how acts of kindness and community connection can make a meaningful impact, reinforcing the HDSB’s dedication to supporting student well-being and promoting a culture of empathy and inclusion.
