The 5th annual Walk for Courage mental health fundraiser will be held later this summer by CMHA Grey Bruce and the Courage family.
The event was established in honour of Jeff Courage, who died by suicide in 2019, with his family starting the event. Don Vail, Communications and Fund Development Manager for CMHA Grey Bruce, says last year the walk raised over $48,000, and this year, they have their sights set a little higher.
"This year we're hoping to break $60,000. Yes, last year was incredible, $48,000 raised to support CMH Grey Bruce programs including mental health services, peer support, housing supports, suicide awareness, as well, but we are confident we can top it," Vail enthused.
Vail adds that the event is now hosted in Owen Sound and Hanover, and this year it will be on July 25 in both communities. He notes that adding a Hanover walk last year was really helpful.
"This year we will be at Owen Sound Fitness and at Sulphur Springs, as well, in Hanover, and also the virtual element. I think that what happened is having another place where you could actually take part in the walk gave it a boost last year and let more people know about the Walk for Courage," he said.
The in-person walks are always a memorable and powerful day, but Vail points out that there is also the virtual option that was introduced last year to help those who couldn't make the live walks participate.
"Well what we did was add the virtual option and we basically said if you can walk say 5k in the month, collect donations, support the different programs that we offer and get involved with the Walk for Courage that way, why not offer that up to people?" Vail added.
You can now register, donate, and learn more by visiting walkforcourage.ca, and there is an early bird prize draw this year. If you register before May 12, you'll be entered to win a pair of tickets to the June 5th Blue Jays game in Toronto. The online auction will also be making a return, with loads of prizes donated by local business and organizations. More details will be announced closer to the event.
If you are interested in donating to the auction, reach out to Don Vail at dvail@cmhagb.org.
"We continue to be amazed by the community support," said Greg Courage, Jeff's father. "This walk means so much to our family, and seeing it grow each year shows that many people want to make a difference and support mental health in Grey Bruce."
