Toronto, Ontario – On February 7, 2009, Singer, songwriter, producer and mental health advocate Amy Sky will be honoured with the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario’s Hero Inspiration Award.

The Hero Inspiration Award, sponsored by Shepell.fgi, recognizes Amy’s extraordinary contribution to public awareness, advocacy and efforts to battle the devastating stigma that surrounds those with mental health illnesses, particularly women. This award will be presented to Ms. Sky at the 5th. Annual “Mad About You Gala” and Inspiration Awards Ceremony at one of Toronto’s most elegant venues, the Carlu.

The Gala, organized by the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario (MDAO), is the only event in the province that recognizes the contributions of partners in recovery. The MDAO hopes to raise $275,000 from this event through ticket sales and a silent auction. The evening’s host is Canadian comic Steve Patterson.

The 2009 Hero Inspiration Award is one of 3 important awards that will be presented at the Gala. The Award honours a high-profile person with a mood disorder who publicly supports and advocates for others who also suffer the pain that mood disorders bring with them. The second award, the Hope Inspiration Award, is sponsored by Eli Lilly and honours a person who has made an outstanding contribution in the diagnosis, treatment or research of mood disorders. Astra Zeneca is the sponsor of MDAO’s Heart Award that goes to an individual who has provided exceptional support in a caring relationship with someone with a mood disorder.

Previous recipients of this prestigious award include The Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario (ret.), and Senator General Romeo Dallaire.