Canadian band raises awareness about mental health issues

From the Mississauga News in Ontario, Canada:

There's more to this Mississauga band than rockin' out; they're socially active, too.

For their third single release, Crash Parallel have teamed up with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) to raise awareness and funds surrounding mental health issues.

"I have very close friends who have suffered from mental illness," said lead singer Tim Edwards. "And, it seems the more I've come across (people with mental illness), it seems as though it's a global phenomenon."

Edwards points out that many people are affected either directly or indirectly by mental illness. He also aims to raise money to help those affected to pay for better services.

People who visit the band's website (http://www.crashparallel.com/) can download the single Casualties of War free of charge. The site provides information on mental health issues and a link that allows people to donate money to the CMHA.

"That song – the Casualties of War – is metaphorically about people who have become the casualties of mental health," said the 32-year-old former Loyola Secondary School student.

The band is now filming a video for Casualties of War, recording a new album and preparing for a February tour of Ontario and the East Coast.

Casualties of War is on the band's debut album, World We know, which was released in May 2008.