Viva Consulting Family Life Inc. is a federally incorporated nonprofit organization with its head office in Montreal, Quebec. At Viva Consulting, we are concerned about the increasing number of people who have become problem or pathological gamblers, and the serious consequences this has for the physical and mental health of Canadians and Canadian families. For this reason, we lobby the governments and the industry for safer policies and procedures concerning legalized gambling. We work with the media to inform the public of the risks inherent in gambling, so that they as consumers are able to make responsible choices. We offer governments and the industry consultation in the development of pro-active measures to prevent further problems. We provide counselling treatment for individuals already affected, whether as a gambler or as a victim of the “ripple effect” of gambling.
In short, we provide:
- Consumer Advocacy via the media and the government
- Harm Reduction Strategies for the gambling industry
- Education And Awareness Presentations for companies, professionals, and organizations
- Counselling and Treatment Referrals for individuals and their families.
“Viva Consulting”
The owl on the key is representative of our belief that Knowledge is the Key. We believe that the public has the right to know the risks inherent in excessive gambling. There is an obligation on the part of governments and the gambling industry to provide the public with factual information. Advertising gambling simply as “harmless fun” for every one is misleading and potentially harmful to a large number of people, who become addicted. We function as consumer advocate, promoting public information and awareness. We also treat individuals and families whose lives have been damaged by the effects of excessive gambling.
However, you do not need to have a gambling problem to call on Viva Consulting Family Life Inc. We believe gambling is not the problem, but a symptom that there are problems in your life. The same is true of many other harmful behaviours such as alcoholism, substance abuse, overeating, and others.
In every case, we believe that Knowledge is the Key. If we can help you understand why you are harming yourself, we can help you learn new ways to deal with your problems. We help you put the shattered pieces of your life back together again.
In the mosaic, those countless bits of shattered glass and tile, properly handled, became a beautiful integrated whole. The artist truly understood our philosophy and our mission.
(Thanks again, Joey.)
May each and every one of you find the strength to reach out for the help you need in your life today.
Viva Consulting Mosaic
Artist: Kip Joey Richard Ashby III
Commissioned project January 2000
Donated by the artist
8 feet long by 4 feet high glass and tile mosaic