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Walk For Courage
Join us for the Walk For Courage, a meaningful day that brings people together to support mental health and suicide prevention. While the topic is heavy, the day is filled with hope, community, and even some fun. Walks take place in Owen Sound, Hanover and virtually. Walk with us and help make sure no one faces mental health challenges alone.
Saturday, July 19, 2025
- Owen Sound Fitness and Training
- Hanover – Sulphur Springs
- Virtually
Registration opens at 9:00 AM – 5KM Walk starts at 9:30 AM
Together, we walk for hope, healing, and mental health.
In 2019, the Courage family’s world was forever changed when they lost their oldest son, Jeff, to suicide. In honour of Jeff’s life and driven by a commitment to prevent similar tragedies, the Courage family, together with Josh Burnett of Owen Sound Fitness and Training, partnered with CMHA Grey Bruce to launch the Walk for Courage in 2022.
What began as a tribute to one young man has grown into a powerful community movement. The Walk for Courage raises awareness for mental health, grows hope, and provides critical support for those who need it most. Now in its fourth year, the Walk for Courage has expanded to multiple locations and includes a virtual participation option, making it accessible for everyone who believes in the importance of mental health care, suicide prevention, and building a stronger, more compassionate community.
Why We Walk
The Walk for Courage is a space for everyone:
- To remember and honour those we have lost to suicide.
- To support those who are currently struggling with their mental health.
- To walk beside families, friends, caregivers, and survivors.
- To reduce stigma and open conversations about mental health.
- To stand together and advocate for accessible, timely mental health care.
- To transform grief into action and pain into prevention.
Every step we take is a powerful reminder that no one has to face their struggles alone.
Where the Funds Go
Funds raised through the Walk for Courage directly support vital programs through CMHA Grey Bruce, including:
- Early mental health education for children through the Friends and Neighbours (FAN) Club.
- Support for teens with the Let’s Talk program.
- Talk Today, promoting mental wellness among athletes.
- Adult and workplace education programs that strengthen mental health support across the community.
- Training initiatives like Mental Health First Aid, SafeTALK, and ASIST that equip individuals to recognize and respond to mental health crises.
Join Us
By participating, donating, or simply sharing the message, you are helping to create a world where support is always available, and no one has to face mental health challenges alone.
Walk with us. Support with us. Stand with us.
Together, we walk for courage.
Together, we walk for hope.
Sponsors:
We are proud to display the logos of businesses that support the Walk for Courage through sponsorship. Each represents a business or organization that believes in supporting mental health and suicide prevention in our community. Their generosity helps make this event possible. Please consider supporting them in return as they are making a real difference.
Gold Sponsors:
Silver Sponsors:
Jeff’s Legacy
Jeff Courage was a third-year social sciences student at Western University, studying political science with dreams of becoming a lawyer and one day running for office. He was a proud member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, a personal trainer at Owen Sound Fitness and Training, and someone who inspired others through his kindness, quick wit, and determination. Jeff loved sports, took on Tough Mudder challenges, and encouraged everyone around him to believe in themselves and push beyond their limits.
Known for his infectious smile, big heart, and thoughtfulness, Jeff created real connections wherever he went. Whether bringing a Christmas tree to the Alpha Phi sorority house, showing up with cookies, or quietly checking in on friends, he always put others first.
Jeff was open about his mental health struggles. After experiencing panic attacks, he sought help from physicians and counselling from a Social Worker. Despite reaching out for support and taking important steps toward recovery, his challenges were often hidden. His story is a powerful reminder that even those who seem strong may be fighting silent battles.
In November 2019, Jeff died by suicide at the age of 21, leaving a profound impact on his family, friends, and the Western community. His friends launched The Courage Project, selling more than 1,000 “United Together” shirts and raising over $17,000 for mental health programs, all in Jeff’s memory.
To continue his spirit of compassion and action, Jeff’s family, alongside Josh Burnett and CMHA Grey Bruce, created the Walk for Courage in 2022. Every step taken in Jeff’s name helps break stigma, open conversations, and remind others that they are never alone.