"...we are contributing to the recovery process of individuals and families." - Peter & Jill Andruski "...we are contributing to the recovery process of individuals and families." - Peter & Jill Andruski

"SSO has given so much to me, I want to help in any way I can." - Eleanor Baker, RN "SSO has given so much to me, I want to help in any way I can." - Eleanor Baker, RN

"In telling my story, I hope that people will better understand schizophrenia." - Jesse Bigelow "In telling my story, I hope that people will better understand schizophrenia." - Jesse Bigelow

"People at SSO treat me with respect, and I really enjoy myself. They have helped me through the tough times of living with schizophrenia." - Michael Alzamora "People at SSO treat me with respect, and I really enjoy myself. They have helped me through the tough times of living with schizophrenia." - Michael Alzamora

"The Yoga-thon provides a forum for individuals who have family members with schizophrenia to talk about their concerns." - Yogi Tambiraja"The Yoga-thon provides a forum for individuals who have family members with schizophrenia to talk about their concerns." - Yogi Tambiraja

This year’s October Awareness Campaign is more exciting and dynamic than ever before, as we focus our efforts online, showcasing the many social networking resources that are now available. From our homepage, you may choose to Join SSO, become a member on our Facebook page or view YouTube videos, all of which SSO produced to raise awareness about schizophrenia. Please click on our PSA to hear Colin Mochrie (Canadian Comic), or watch Fear|Less SSO’s documentary about Jesse Bigelow (seen in the above banner).

If you look to the top right corner of this page, you are also invited to Read Our Blog. This is a new feature of the website, and already we have had a great response. Its purpose is to allow those who suffer from schizophrenia, their families, and members of the public to share experiences and stories, to exchange information and ideas, in an effort to help educate and better inform about schizophrenia and mental illness.

Episode 1 of Strengthening Families Together (SFT) Online Program can also be viewed from this homepage. SFT is a 10 part video series that covers topics such as how to navigate the health care system; how to take care of a loved one who may be suffering from schizophrenia; as well as a helpful introduction to mental illness and schizophrenia.

Finally, SSO will celebrate the triumphs of not only 2009 but also the past thirty years at the Iris Ball: 30 Years Young, taking place on November 6th in the Great Hall of Hart House on the University of Toronto’s campus. A fabulous night awaits, including a VIP reception, an extravagant dinner, spectacular performances by Juno Award winner, Liberty Silver, culminating in the exciting introduction of the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario’s new comprehensive It’s My Dream Scholarship Program, which expands on our existing scholarships. These scholarships will go directly to the funding of educational opportunities for individuals affected by schizophrenia.

For tickets to the Iris Ball, please call: 1-800-449-6367.

If you are interested in helping to plan this year's gala, or would like to sponsor the event, please contact us at 416-449-6830 ext. 223 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it