Juno Award-winning singer Chantal Kreviazuk says mental illness doesn’t carry as much of a stigma as it once did, but our society still has more work to do to make it a comfortable place for all.

“When someone is … physically challenged, think about how much more compassion we have,” Kreviazuk said at the Breakfast of Champions event Tuesday at the London Convention Centre.

“What if we could extend that compassion every day? I think it will get exponentially easier for people to get the care they need. They won’t be so frightened to put up their hand and say, ‘I’m having a mental health issue.’”

Kreviazuk spoke and performed at the breakfast, organized by St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation and the Canadian Mental Health Association.

The event honours individuals or organizations for their contributions to mental health care delivery with an annual award.

Mike and Kathy Kerrigan were this year’s recipients.

“Our community has some of the best people helping to champion mental health and reduce the stigma associated with it,” said Michelle Campbell, president and CEO of the St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation.