Rock the Change is ready to rumble for their third consecutive year at the Bower Ponds stage on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m.

The free, outdoor suicide awareness concert is set to take place with headliners Jamie Woodfin out of Red Deer, Jitty Rae out of Detroit, Brad Sims from Lethbridge, and Aim for Theo out of Grande Prairie.

The annual concert began three years ago when Rock the Change founder, Stacie Moore saw the importance of being ‘loud about suicide’ and wanted those facing hard times in Central Alberta to know they’re not alone.

“I just wanted people to know that there are people who are going through the same things they are,” explained Moore, elementary educator and fundraiser at Suicide Information and Education Services. “As well as that there are people there for them in times when things aren’t going so well.”

Over the course of the last three years, Moore says she has learned a lot about affecting change in the community – primarily that while it may take a great deal of time and effort to make a change, change is possible and it’s worth it when it happens.

“There have been many people who have written on our facebook page, tweeted us, or sent us emails saying how much they appreciate the event and how thankful and grateful they are that there are people making a change and raising awareness around suicide – for some people that little bit of effort from someone can mean everything.”

Moore says the best thing you can do for someone facing hard times is to let them know that you are there for them in times of trouble.

“They need to know there are people they can talk to and who they can reach out to and we want them to know they should never be ashamed of that because it’s the best thing you can do for yourself.”

Rock the Change will also be home to a Kids Corner jam-packed full of family fun, with a variety of vendors and merchandise for purchase, as well as a free photo booth. Although the event is free, donations are accepted and appreciated.

“The last two years were awesome and a lot of people came down to support families who were grieving and people who were just really going through tough times,” explained Moore. “We want it to be a safe place and a safe environment and get as many families out to participate as possible.”

For more information on the concert visit www.facebook.com/RockTheChangeRd.

jswan@reddeerexpress.com