FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Newmarket, ON – May 10, 2021) – The Canadian Mental Health Association York Region and South Simcoe’s biggest fundraising event of the year is going entirely virtual for the first time! Over the next two months, Mental Health in Motion encourages people to run, walk and ride – any time, any place – to raise critically needed funds for youth mental health programs. The event is already attracting support; Staples Canada has signed on as the first-ever presenting sponsor.
“A staggering 75 per cent of all adults report the onset of their mental illness in adolescence. Now more than ever before, it’s critical we provide youth with accessible and robust mental health supports at this pivotal point in their lives,” said Rebecca Shields, CEO of Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) York Region and South Simcoe. “We are so grateful to our donors, participants and supporters, and especially Staples Canada, who have the foresight to see the dire effect the pandemic is having on everyone’s mental health, particularly our youth, and are stepping up to make a difference.”
Registration is free and flexible. This year, the annual Mental Health in Motion event will be entirely virtual and participants can choose how and when they get involved. Between now and the end of June, participants are invited to fundraise by running, walking or riding 5 km, 10 km, 20 km, 100 km, or choosing their own adventure. There is a Virtual Kick Off event on Sunday, June 13 at 9am and there will be many opportunities to virtually connect with other participants, and win prizes along the way. Funds raised will support mental health programs and services for young people ages 12 to 25 years old in York Region and South Simcoe. To donate or for free registration visit cmhainmotion.ca.
CMHA appreciates the support of additional sponsors: TS Tech, Cattanach Hindson, Sutton, Vanveldhuizen LLP Barristers and Solicitors, Timbercreek Capital, Godsoe Financial Capital, and Vince’s Market, along with prize sponsors Longo’s, lululemon, Neal Brothers, and media partner snapd.
Youth Mental Health Programs in York Region and South Simcoe:
CMHA offers a variety of programs for those aged 12 and above including MOBYSS (pronounced mo-bies), Ontario’s first and only mobile health clinic for youth ages 12 to 25. MOBYSS travels to where youth are in York Region and South Simcoe, offering free support for mental health, physical health, and sexual health support. Learn more about the bus at www.mobyss.ca.
Additional youth services include supportive telephone counselling line, Youth Wellness, BounceBack Ontario’s free guided self-help for youth and adults experiencing mild-to-moderate depression, newcomers support, housing support services, employment services, case management, recovery-oriented groups and more. CMHA York Region and South Simcoe also offers Family Support Groups for those who are caring with a loved one with mental illness. For more information visit cmha-yr-on.ca/programs/youth.
About Canadian Mental Health Association
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a not-for-profit, charitable organization. Our vision is a society that embraces and invests in the mental health of all people. CMHA has 28 local branches across Ontario, and together with community-based mental health and addictions service providers across the province, serve approximately 500,000 Ontarians each year.
Last year, CMHA York Region and South Simcoe served more than 44,000 clients in York Region and South Simcoe. To find out more about the work of the Canadian Mental Health Association, York Region and South Simcoe, go to www.cmha-yr.on.ca.
-30-
Media Contact: communications@cmha-yr.on.ca
