The Stigma-Free Society has a true grassroots history, which was first a project ignited by Andrea Paquette, who created a Bipolar Babe t-shirt and website to share her personal experience with bipolar disorder, so others did not have to suffer in silence like she once did. Her efforts led to meeting supportive and dedicated individuals in the local Victoria community who formed the Bipolar Disorder Society of British Columbia in 2010. The Charity changed their name to the Stigma-Free Society in August 2016, to expand their mandate and include the conversation around all stigmas, with a focus on mental illness. The Stigma-Free Society is a registered Canadian Charity since 2010 and has programs providing education about stigmas with an emphasis on mental health and peer support for those facing mental health challenges with a special focus on youth.