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She feared it might be viewed as a “dorky” idea. but in the end, 4th year Mac student Cassie Boettcher took the initiative to get people talking about mental health.

Armed with some acrylic paints and a blank canvas, she wandered the McMaster Campus Tuesday, inviting students to leave a thumb print if they had suffered or knew someone dealing with a mental illness. The result after 3 and a half hours was a full canvas. Cassie estimates over 200-people contributed to the artwork. And most importantly, their involvment triggered conversation. Cassie says the finished piece is not only visually appealing, it carries a message.

The finished painting is expected to be auctioned off by Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation. Cassie would like the proceeds to go to the mental health unit at the McMaster Children’s Hospital.