CMHA Kelowna

Supporting a Mentally Healthy Kelowna

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

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What is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month?

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB) in partnership with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) is leading a campaign to bring awareness about mental health promotion and suicide prevention. They have gathered a large network of community partners to plan and organize the third annual Suicide Prevention Awareness campaign. The Suicide Prevention Awareness Month planning group includes representatives from all sectors including Workplace, Health Services, Community, School Boards, and Post-Secondary Institutions.

Why are we Focusing on Suicide Prevention?

According to the World Health Organization, someone around the globe dies by suicide every 40 seconds1. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Canadians under 25 years-old2. This is still happening despite the fact that suicide is preventable. For more information, read the Mental Health Profile Report: Windsor-Essex County by clicking here.

The key message for our campaign is “You Are Not Alone”. Connecting and openly communicating with those who have had suicidal thoughts or those who have lost loved ones to suicide is essential in the effort towards suicide prevention. Since many people are unable to express and discuss their feelings due to the fear of being stigmatized, we hope that this message will help those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or have lost a loved one to suicide to know that there is help available to support them in their journey towards healthier and more meaningful lives.

This year, the goal is to raise awareness for suicide prevention, improve education, and build skills in the community to reduce incidents of self-harm. We hope to increase public knowledge about suicide warning signs and where to access relevant resources and services related to prevention, intervention, and bereavement.

YouTube

Three videos have been created for Suicide Prevention Awareness. Please view and share using hashtags #SuicidePrevention2019 #YouAreNotAlone

*this release originally appeared on the CMHA Windsor-Essex County website

JDS Mining is using its own resources to support The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride

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JDS Energy & Mining has come on board as a partner sponsor of The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride, presented by the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation, which raises funds the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kelowna branch.

“Our business is based on people,” says Jeff Stibbard, CEO of JDS Energy & Mining. “Mental health impacts all of us, whether in the workplace, at home or in the community. We all have a connection to this cause which is why it is important to us to support and participate in this event.”

CMHA Kelowna Executive Director Shelagh Turner says mental health is everyone’s business, “It really does affect all of us. That’s why we are pleased to have JDS Mining & Energy on board. They are helping to raise awareness that no matter who you are, where you work, or what you do, mental health has to be a priority – for all of us.”

Nationally known as Ride Don’t Hide, the event in Kelowna is named after two brothers in the community who lost their lives. The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride is for all ages and abilities. Last year, 500 people came out to ride. This year’s event will utilize the Okanagan Rail Trail for a 6km, 25km or 50km bicycle ride that will start and finish at the Baseball Diamond at the Kelowna Curling Club and. New for 2019 is the addition of a 4 or 6km walk to Knox Mountain Park.

Money raised at the event go to essential CMHA Kelowna programs and services in our community, workplaces and schools – programs that help people live their best lives.

Registration for all routes is $40 or you can choose to sign up as part of Budd’s 100 to more than double your fundraising efforts. When you join Budd’s 100, you agree to raise $100 for CMHA Kelowna and your $40 registration fee is automatically waived. PLUS, thanks to the generosity of the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation, when you select this option your $100 in fundraising will be matched AND thank you to BNA Brewing Co. who has come on board to match an additional $25. That’s $125 in matching donations for everyone who signs up for Budd’s 100! To register, donate of volunteer at The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride visit www.ridedonthide.com/kelowna

Registration opens for community mental health ride

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A community that comes together to let anyone who may be struggling with their mental health know – they are not alone. That’s the vision of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kelowna and that’s the goal of the organization’s annual community event, The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride.

Registration is now open for the 2019 ride taking place this June 23. Last year, the day saw more than 500 riders rally together to raise money and awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.

“It was such an incredible feeling to see hundreds of people standing, and riding, together,” says Shelagh Turner, CMHA Kelowna’s Executive Director. “There were smiles and tears but most importantly – there was understanding that if you are struggling, you don’t have to hide, you don’t have to stay silent. That’s what we want this ride to represent, that as a community we are here to support you.”

Nationally known as Ride Don’t Hide, the event in Kelowna is named after two brothers in the community who lost their lives. The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride is for all ages and abilities. New to the Kelowna event this year is a special walking portion called Stride Don’t Hide as well as new bike routes that take riders along the scenic Okanagan Rail Trail.

A popular element of last year’s event is back for this year. Any rider who signs up for Budd’s 100 and agrees to raise $100 will have their $40 registration fee automatically waived and, in a significant show of support from the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation, their $100 in fundraising will be matched.

Individuals, families and teams can register now for The Payton and Dillon Budd Memorial Ride taking place June 23, 2019 at www.cmhakelowna.com/rdhkelowna. The ride start and finish line will be located at the baseball diamond at the Kelowna Curling Club. This year’s event includes two walking routes through Knox Mountain, a 6.5 KM Kids and Family route, a 20 KM route and a 50 KM Advanced route. The event will raise money for essential programs and services in our community, workplaces and schools – programs that help people live their best lives.


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CMHA Kelowna
504 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, BC. V1Y 5X1
Phone: 250-861-3644
Fax: 250-763-4827


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