The largest fundraiser for youth mental health in York Region is ready to hit the ground running Sunday, June 9 for the local chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA.)
Participants will walk, run or bike a range of different distances to raise funds for the association's programming. More than 400 York Region and south Simcoe residents are expected to participate in person at Ray Twinney Recreation Complex.
"It is an amazing event. It does two things, it brings the community together to celebrate recovery and fight the stigma to mental health," said Rebecca Shields, CEO of CMHA York Region South Simcoe. "People always say it's one of the most empowering events to be around people and to see the support."
The event raises money for the CMHA's mobile youth walk-in clinic, MOBYSS. The vehicle offers youth aged 12 to 25 a free, confidential and safe space to talk to a medical or mental health professional.
"Whatever kids need, that's what we're there for," added Shields. "And - I'm so grateful for the team - over the years we've done crisis and suicide intervention. We had one staff member spend seven hours over text just talking to a youth until we could get them into care. The staff always go above and beyond for the youth they support."
As the number of children and youth experiencing a mental health challenge continues to grow, the funds raised through Mental Health in Motion are critical to keeping MOBYSS on the road and helping CMHA to expand the breadth and accessibility of youth wellness services in York Region and south Simcoe County.
"I always say, I do what I do, because we all want to make the road a little less hard for the person coming behind," added Shields.
On June 9, Mental Health in Motion will kick off at 9:30 a.m. and a barbecue lunch will be served starting at 11:30 a.m for all registrants.
Virtual participants can run, walk or cycle their chosen distance any time, anywhere from now until June 9. Register or make a donation at cmhainmotion.ca.
