Socially Anxious People Person sets out to break stigma and raise funds

Breaking out of her comfort zone and dusting off her photography skills, Nicole Richard has set out to start something unique in the valley.

Her social media campaign, Socially Anxious People Person, intertwines mental health awareness while raising funds for Bridge Youth & Family Services, a $10 million campaign to build a live-in treatment program in the Central Okanagan.

In the project, Richard is challenging her own social anxiety to share the stories of her friends and family, eventually branching out into the community, photographing strangers and influential residents.

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Kristen Schupenner “If I could save the world, I would. But for someone that could barely decide what to make for dinner, saving the world wasn’t an option. My insecurities and anxiety came across as snobbish or cold and I’d rather stay home then try to socialize at an event. Breaking down at the Drs office and asking for help was the best thing I did. Don’t suffer, reach out, ask for help, find your joy and start making the small differences that contribute to saving the world!” #mentalhealth #ifnotuswho #youthrecoveryhouse #kelowna #letstalk #okanaganlife

A post shared by Nicole Richard (@sociallyanxiouspeopleperson) on May 15, 2019 at 2:32pm PDT

“When I was going through my postpartum, a friend came up from Vancouver to make me meals every day to make sure I was eating healthy. I was very privileged to have that support. I don’t know why I am so lucky to have had that. But so many people don’t and I wanted to give back to the community,” said Richard.

Through her campaign, Socially Anxious People Person, Richard said her dream is to raise $100,000 over the next two years to help the Bridge open their facilities to youth that need help.

“I heard about the Bridge and I was inspired,” said Richard.

"There are so many amazing people in our community," said Richard. "For me an image says it all (about someone)...But for some people they need that narrative, it's a big part of their equation, so I started writing what I see in the photo."

So far Richard has raised $1,849 since launching in April.

“I’ve learned just how important we are to each other,” said Richard.

“Every little bit counts, even if people can only donate $5 or $10. It all adds up.”

Donations can be made through her website, waxpencil.com