CORNWALL, Ontrario – Neither the early hour or the persistent, damp drizzle kept residence of Cornwall from coming out to show their support for the second annual Walk into the Light Suicide Prevention and Awareness Walkathon in Lamoureux Park on Saturday, May 4, 2019.
The walk started at 5:30 a.m. and there were a few dozen walkers there to show their support.
Some were walking for lost loved ones, whether it be a father, sister or son. Others were walking in support of someone struggling with mental health.
Last year’s walk raised $4,400 for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) at the Cornwall Community Hospital (CCH). The money from this year’s walk again will go towards supporting CAMH and the services that they provide.
When Walk into the Light started in Cornwall a year ago, it was the only fundraiser for mental health and suicide prevention in SD&G.
“There is so much we don’t understand about mental health,” said Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry MP Guy Lauzon, who told the gathered crowd that members of his family had struggled with mental health.
Rev. Louis Gaudet, gave a short sermon to the crowd before they started their walk, stating that their show of support is what is needed to spark hope in those struggling with darkness.
A mental health professional from CAMH attended the walk and was available for anyone who needed support Saturday morning.
For more information about CAMH and the mental health services they provide, please see here.
