Jeffrey Courage (Photo from Walk For Courage website)
The third annual Walk For Courage event is set to go later this month in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Grey Bruce.
Communications and Fund Development Manager Don Vail says the fundraising walk on July 20 was organized by the Courage family after their oldest son Jeffrey died in 2019 by suicide.
“They decided that three years ago that they need to do something about it,” says Vail. “It is not just about the walk, it’s also about people getting together to support each other to talk.”
The goal for this year’s event is to raise $20,000 to support the CMHA’s various mental health programs including Mental Health First Aid, SafeTALK which offers suicide alertness, and ASIST which provides training for suicide intervention skills.
“It offers a space for individuals to walk in memory of loved ones lost to suicide or in honour of those who have survived attempts thanks in part to the vital support they receive,” says Vail.
Jeffrey’s father Greg Courage says the support from local businesses in Grey Bruce has been amazing.
“Thanks to the business community, not only have we received financial donations, but we will also be able to offer prizes and hold bucket draws at the walk,” says Courage.
The five kilometre walk will kick off on July 20 at 9 a.m. for registration before the walk begins at 9:30 a.m. as it heads out from Owen Sound Fitness and Training to the Bayshore Community Centre then returns.
Those interested in supporting and taking part in the event can visit the Walk For Courage website here.