Community Walk for Courage Raises $24,165 for CMHA Grey Bruce

Jul 31, 2024

Owen Sound, ON – The 3rd Annual Walk for Courage, held on July 20th, was a tremendous success, raising an impressive $24,165 to support the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Grey Bruce. This marks a significant increase from last year’s total of $13,500, showcasing the community’s growing dedication to mental health awareness and support.

We are proud to recognize our top fundraisers for this year’s Walk for Courage. The top three teams were Team Courage, raising an impressive $3,445, Tibbs Cash ATM with $1,310, and OS Fitness contributing $1,250. Among individual fundraisers, Lynda Legge led the way with an outstanding $3,495, followed by Susan Sankey with $1,190 and Sean McMurray with $860. Their dedication and efforts played a crucial role in our success, and we are deeply grateful for their support and commitment to mental health in our community.

(L-R Tawnia Courage, Greg Courage, and top fundraiser Lynda Legge)

The event, which took place at Owen Sound Fitness and Training, saw an overwhelming turnout of participants who walked in memory of loved ones lost to suicide and to support those struggling with mental health issues. The Walk for Courage continues to honour the memory of Jeffrey Courage, whose tragic loss in 2019 inspired his family to partner with CMHA Grey Bruce and establish this impactful annual event.

Funds raised from the Walk for Courage will directly support vital mental health programs offered by CMHA Grey Bruce. Some of these programs include the Friends and Neighbours (FAN) Club for young children, the Let’s Talk program for teenagers, and the Talk Today initiative, a partnership with the Owen Sound Attack hockey team, which focuses on mental health among athletes. Additionally, the walk supports training in Mental Health First Aid, SafeTALK (Suicide Alertness for Everyone), and ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), all of which equip community members with the skills needed to recognize and respond to mental health crises effectively.

“The incredible generosity and spirit of our community can be seen in this year’s results. Raising $24,165 reflects the collective effort to build a supportive environment for those affected by mental health and addiction issues,” said Don Vail, Communications and Funding Manager at CMHA Grey Bruce. “We thank the Courage family, our volunteers, sponsors, and every participant for their commitment. This community stepped up again, demonstrating our shared commitment to mental health. It is truly inspiring to see everyone unite to support one another.”

The Walk for Courage not only raised funds but also brought together participants from all walks of life to share their stories and support each other. The event featured a group photo, words of support from local M.P. Alex Ruff and local M.P.P. Rick Byers, and some new activities this year including a raffle and silent auction all contributing to the day’s success.

Greg Courage, Jeffrey’s father and event co-organizer, noted, “The support from local businesses and individuals has been overwhelming. Their contributions have not only provided financial support but have also helped create an event that brings our community together in a meaningful way.”

The success of the Walk for Courage is a clear indication of the community’s dedication to mental health advocacy and support. CMHA Grey Bruce looks forward to continuing this tradition and building on the momentum for next year’s event.

(Donations have continued to come in, increasing the day of grand total)