THUNDER BAY – A local fundraising run helped collect $50,000 to a pair of local mental health organizations and programs.
The inaugural Take it in Stride event at Boulevard Lake saw more than 350 runners take part, more than doubling their initial $22,000 target.
“I remain in awe by the community support -- not only through the amount of donations, but the numerous people who reached out and opened up about their struggles,” said organizer Connor Remus, who added he want to make an impact on a cause close to his heart, ending the stigma surrounding suicide, in a release issued this week.
Remus said exercise helped him cope following the suicide of a close friend, improving his own mental health.
“After Joey passed away, I found running. It was a way to collect my own thoughts and deal with my emotions,” Remus said.
“It took me a while to get to the point where I could share this story and even use the word suicide, but I wanted to honour my friend. Mental health is something a lot of people struggle with, and I just don’t think suicide is talked about enough -- so bringing this issue forward, especially in today’s day and age, is something that’s very important to me.”
The funds will be donated to the Canadian Mental Health Association’s local branch and Children’s Centre Thunder Bay.
The CMHL will use the money to continue services, including the applied suicide intervention skills training (ASIST) program, the In the Know Workshop, Mental Health Works, Mental Health First Aid and the Family Mental Health series.
“We know that mental health continues to be a struggle for so many. CMHA Thunder Bay Branch is encouraging residents to consider first-aid training in suicide intervention. You never know when you can use those skills to save a life,” said Jennifer Hyslop, CEO of CMHA Thunder Bay Branch.
“It can be daunting to ask someone if they’re experiencing suicidal thoughts. Knowing how to approach the conversation and having the tools to support you can help. We want people to be able to recognize the signs, and then feel empowered to help with the right resources.”
Children’s Centre Thunder Bay the donation will help foster mental health and wellness for youth by creating safe, inclusive, positive and healthy outlets for emotions.
“Children’s Centre Thunder Bay experiences many children and teens utilizing programming and services, but we worry about the young people we don’t see. This funding will assist to improve capacity, making mental health services easier to access by youth when they need help, while also supporting parents navigating the system,” said Dayna Pupeza, Coordinator of the Children’s Centre Foundation Thunder Bay.
“Suicide prevention starts with developing good mental health and resiliency, especially in children and youth.”
Remus said he hopes the Take it in Stride Run, presented by Sullivan and Associates Clinical Psychology, will spark more open dialogue about suicide and mental health.
“The first step is always the hardest one to take -- and we took that first stride together as a community. Take it in Strides will continue to show people you can keep moving forward, even through really hard times.”
