The fourth annual Walk for Courage set a new record over the weekend after expanding into a new community.
The walk in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Grey Bruce on July 19, raised over $45,000.
The event, which has grown in popularity over recent years, brings attention to mental health and suicide prevention in the region.
Fund Development Coordinator Krystal Stukas says over 100 people took part in the walks in Owen Sound and for the first time, Hanover.
“We had such a great turnout in Hanover for the first walk. There was about 40 to 50 people there walking in memory of young ones that they lost or family members that they lost to suicide and the support just continues to grow,” says Stukas.
Before participants headed out on their walk in Hanover, Mayor Sue Paterson and Police Chief Chris Knoll kicked off the event at the Sulphur Spring Conservation Area along with CMHA Grey Bruce CEO Stephen Musehl.
Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy and Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Paul Vickers, meanwhile, got the crowd ready in Owen Sound for their walk.
The fundraiser was started by the parents of Jeff Courage who died by suicide in 2019. The CMHA partnered with Greg and Tawnia Courage to raise awareness and support local mental health programs.
“This event can be really cathartic for a lot of folks who have lost loved ones to suicide and I think that really is echoed with the conversations that happen at each event. It can be a heavy topic, but we also try to make these events extremely uplifting and supportive and I think that really is echoed in the sentiments of our participants,” says Stukas.
The funds raised will go to support the CMHA’s various programs including safeTALK and ASIST, as well as early education for kids, and the athletic wellness program.
Stukas says Greg was blown away by all the support for the event.
“I spoke to him and he is very much appreciative and can’t believe the incredible support from individuals and businesses this time around. This is the first time we opened up sponsorships for the Walk for Courage,” says Stukas.
They also introduced an online silent auction this year, which helped raise over $6,000.
Stukas says based on the success of this year, the CMHA aims to expand the event to more communities over the coming years.
“The possibilities are unlimited. I feel like there is such great strong and passionate communities in all of Grey Bruce. Some places we could look to expand for next year would include Sauble, Saugeen, we could do Tara, even looking out east and perhaps Meaford. Our services cover a wide range of different communities here in Grey Bruce, so there is many different opportunities to expand the walk,” says Stukas.