Helping with the signs of Stratford: how one citizen is doing his part

A retired Humber College professor is championing mental health awareness. 

Roger Hathaway, a Stratford resident for almost 10 years, has launched a poster depicting various signs around the city spelling out, 'To be or not to be, Strat is the question'. He is selling them to raise proceeds for the local Canadian Mental Health Association branch. 

The line is a variation of perhaps one of the most famous quotes from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, though Hathaway believes not many know what it really means. 

“Many people translate that as ‘to live or not to live, that is the question,’” he explained. “It mirrors all the talk about depression, anxiety, and what a lot of people are experiencing right now.”

Hathaway’s goal is to raise $5,000 for the organization. As he put it, the poster is good for the city of Stratford, the Stratford Festival, and mental health awareness. 

The goal is halfway met and Hathaway is preparing to produce a t-shirt with the design in the spring, hoping to attract other citizens that are less interested in a poster. 

Hathaway was first inspired to do something for mental health awareness a number of years ago. Someone very close to him was engulfed with mental health problems, and his awareness initiative was a way to do his part. 

As a professor he taught a class on typography. He has always looked at the possibility in words and finds the subject fascinating. The idea for the design came naturally from that fascination – taking store fronts from around the Festival City and spelling out a message from them. He admitted that he still thinks about different avenues he can pursue in the future. 

“I might have to see my doctor about it,” Hathaway laughed. “I’m addicted to store fronts.”

Hathaway has received positive feedback from the community and is expanding his reach through the help of organizations. He has ambitions beyond the current poster, though is hesitant to expand in his “formative years".

Although only a one-man team, Hathaway is determined to spread awareness and get posters out across the city. He indicated that he is flexible and will hand deliver them if need be. 

Posters are $20. To purchase one or to organize delivery contact [email protected].