Punx Against Stigma Raise Funds and Awareness for Local Mental Health Services

Hog, who performs under the stage name Usually Trespassing, lost his brother Marcel L’Abbée to the fentanyl crisis in Canada in 2017. In honour of Marcel’s birthday, Hog organizes a benefit show, now in its second year, to keep his brother’s memory alive while supporting others facing mental health and substance use challenges.

The Mental Health and Addiction Benefit Show at Roberts Creek Legion on Jan. 23rd raised $2,449.80 for the Sechelt Hospital Foundation, with all funds dedicated to mental health and substance use services.

Determined to honour his brother’s memory and support others facing similar struggles, Hog once again transformed grief into action this January, organizing Punx Against Stigma, a Mental Health and Substance Use Benefit Show at the Roberts Creek Legion on January 23, 2026.

With six bands taking the stage, many attendees filled the venue in support of the cause. Alongside the music, 100 naloxone kits were provided for distribution, and 42 people received training on how to use the life-saving medication by members of the Community Action Team, led by Chris Hergesheimer and Gabe Pausch.

By the end of the night, the event raised $2,449.80 for the Sechelt Hospital Foundation, with 100% of proceeds supporting mental health and substance use treatment and services in the community.

Shortly after the show, along side fellow performers Irene Orallo, Karla  McLeod, Mike McLeod and Hog presented the funds to Monika Stein, Vancouver Coastal Health’s Clinical Services Manager for Mental Health and Jennie Biltek, Peer Operations Coordinator for the Overdose Response Program at Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital. The donation was made in memory of Marcel.

“I want to see this go towards treatment and services for mental health and addiction,” Hog said. “I want this to directly help people. And I’m hoping to organize more shows throughout the year.”

Plans are already underway for another show this spring, continuing Hog’s mission to reduce stigma and bring support and awareness to mental health and addiction challenges.

“We treasure the community’s support and hope Hog’s compassion and leadership inspire others to turn philanthropic goals into action.” said Jane Macdonald, Executive Director of the Sechelt Hospital Foundation.

Through music, remembrance, and community support, Hog continues to honour his brother’s legacy while making a meaningful difference in our community.

The Mental Health and Substance Use team at Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital currently has several services and options for adults looking for mental health or addictions support including short-term counselling (eight to 10 sessions), group therapy, a walk-in counselling service, and more: vch.ca/en/location-service/adult-short-term-counselling-sunshine-coast 

If you or anyone you know is in crisis, go to the closest hospital emergency department or call 9-8-8 (Suicide Help line), 1-866-661-3311 (Crisis Help line), or dial 9-1-1 for police, fire or ambulance.

Pictured L to R: Irene, Karla, Mike, Hog, Monika and Jennie