Hundreds come out in Sudbury to help 'defeat depression'
It was a moving scene in Greater Sudbury Saturday morning as hundreds made it out to take part in the 10th Annual Defeat Depression Walk/Run at Bell Park.
The annual event raises funds for the Northern Initiative for Social Action (NISA) and the Mood Disorders Society of Canada.
Sudbury MPP Jamie West had many in the crowd moved as he told a story about his own personal struggles with mental health and how it was family who helped recognize there was an issue that had to be addressed.
"I want to congratulate each and every one of you who are here today because you are a lighthouse for people in the dark, he said.
“You are somebody they can reach out to, to have a conversation."
The city’s Ward 5 councillor Mike Parent told CTV News it was a great turnout.
“It shows the level of community support for something like mental health, illness and depression," said Parent.
"Coming out of the pandemic, we know this is an issue in all communities so I'm really pleased to see the turnout and the support for this."
- Download the CTV News app now and get local alerts on your device
- Get local breaking news and updates sent to your email inbox
Sudbury has become one of the top markets for the 'Defeat Depression' campaign with almost half the funds raised in the city making up what they raise on the national level.
"Fundraising is nice and it's a good fundraiser but really, to see 350 and that's my estimation, 250 people walking around here and being okay with saying 'hey mental health is here and it's not something to be ashamed of' is amazing," said NISA Executive Director Martin Boucher.
"I've had the pleasure of hearing stories through my tenure here with NISA and I've had stories from all walks of life, all ages and we all know someone or are affected ourselves with mental health," said event organizer Lindsey Chamberland.
Shirley Rajotte is the peer coordinator for the NISA Older Adult Peer Support Program. She came out, all decked out in her NISA gear and made sure to get herself a seat in the front row.
Hundreds descended on Sudbury's Bell Park Saturday morning in a bid to 'defeat depression." The 10th Annual Defeat Depression Walk was held with funds being raised for the Northern Initiative for Social Action and the Mood Disorders Society of Canada. (Ian Campbell/CTV News Northern Ontario)"People are afraid to talk about their mental health because they're afraid there is something wrong with them, but there's not,” she said.
“There is nothing wrong with them,"
Participants said every little bit helps. Passersby, likely, no doubt felt the optimism from many of them that 'defeating depression' is possible.
"Sometimes we have good mental health, sometimes we have poor mental health and it's a really important cause to raise money for," said participant Karen Henze.
Officials said the goal here, if anything, is to show people 'it's okay, not to be okay;' adding one in two adults will have experienced some sort of mental health challenge at some point in their lifetime.
For more information on the event, visit their Facebook page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.