Party Down to Boost Mental Health Resources at This Sep 1 Side Street Party

For all its offbeat joys and wonders, Beijing is by no means the easiest place to live, and those among us who might be prone to depression, anxiety, or other bouts of bad mental health may feel short on options. This is especially true when one factors in the hefty costs of therapy at international hospitals in the capital. However, another option has thankfully been shining like a welcoming beacon for those who need it: CandleX, a donation-based peer support group and mental health goodwill organization for English speaking Chinese and foreigners. In order to offer that noble cause some support, Alice Liu Ezzell is putting on a small fundraising event at Jiaodaokou bar and restaurant Side Street (pictured in the lead photo above) on Sep 1. 

“Instead of merely celebrating my 29th birthday, I want to support others who are going through a hard time ...” Ezzell writes for a promo for the event, before telling the Beijinger: “Hopefully more people can join us to not only raise awareness but also try our best to improve the mental health care in Beijing, especially for the expat community. The few international hospitals with psychological counseling charge approximately RMB 3,000 an hour, and most companies’ insurance aren't covering mental health care fees.” 

Aside from raising money for CandleX at the event via sales of food, drink, leis (it is a Hawaiian-themed event after all) and raffle tickets, Ezzell also wants to work with fellow mental health advocates to “come up with proposals for international hospitals to reduce/sponsor the counseling costs. We will hopefully also form an effective crisis support program in Beijing for the ones in immediate need.”

Naked Nut Butters co-owner Meredith Sides, of one of the sponsors for the Sep 1 event, says: "When I heard that Alice was organizing a charity event for her birthday in lieu of a typical birthday celebration, I knew that Naked Nut Butters had to get on board. The fact that the focus is especially on mental health awareness was an even greater motivation to participate. Let's have more birthday celebrations like this one!"

That feeling is shared by Side Street owner Uday Phalgun. He says he's happy to host the event because "It's a good cause and Alice helps us out at Side Street a lot, and she is a very happy and positive person. When she approached me for doing this event the least I could do was support it, but it's her show and the people involved with the organization. I'm very happy that Side Street is being a part of it."

To sum it all up, Alice Liu Ezzell says: “I don't want any birthday presents, I just want friends to join the party and benefit for a good cause. I just want a better world.”

The Hawaiian Themed Charity Party for CandleX will be held at Side Street on Sep 1 from 6pm until late. For more information, click here.