July 15, 2022 6:07am
The first Walk for Courage gets underway this Saturday in Owen Sound.
It’s named in honour of Jeff Courage who died by suicide in 2019 while a student at Western University. Courage worked at Owen Sound Fitness and Training and now his former employer along with his family are helping to raise money in his name for Canadian Mental Health Association – Grey Bruce.
The walk starts at 9 a.m. at Owen Sound Fitness and follows 5 km of pedestrian friendly trails to the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre and back.
CMHA Youth Awareness and Education Supervisor, Jackie Ralph says they especially grateful to Jeff’s parents.
“It was there son that we lost,” said Ralph. “For them to take that loss and turn it into an event where they hope that lots of people come and learn about the resources in our community. We always want to learn about the resources, and the services, and the people that are there before we need them.”
The walk begins and ends at the Owen Sound Fitness and Training facility where there will be picnic tables and information booths set up.
“The hope is that by putting out the picnic tables people will take a minute and not rush away after the walk,” said Ralph. “They’ll get a chance to sit down and connect with each other.”
Organizers hope to raise $5000 to support local programs including the Buddy Up program.
“[It] just really encourages guys to talk to guys and what kind of things to look for and how to ask questions of each other,” Ralph explained.
You can register at walkforcourage.com or on the day of the walk. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, July 16th.