Every day, around 2,000 people die from suicide worldwide. It’s a heavy number to hold in our minds. But it serves to remind us why mental health matters.
The Push-Up Challenge invites you to complete 2,000 push-ups over 23 days in February—one push-up for each life lost. It’s a way to stay active, remember those we’ve lost, and start conversations that often go unspoken. This is about showing up in a way that works for you. Big or small, every move counts.
When you join, you become part of a caring community of Canadians who believe mental health matters every day. You can also choose to fundraise, with your support going directly to mental health programs at CMHA York Region & South Simcoe, helping people right here in our community.
What Is the Push-Up Challenge?
The Push-Up Challenge is running this year from February 5 to 27, 2026. It’s Canada’s largest mental health and fitness event, and it’s free to join, no matter your fitness level.
Here’s how it works:
- Register here on your own or as part of a team
- Complete 2,000 push-ups over 23 days. After you register, you can download the PUC app to track your pushups. It will also show how many pushups you need to complete each day
- You’ll also receive a daily mental health fact in the app designed to educate, reduce stigma, and spark conversation
- Choose to fundraise in support of mental health programs at CMHA York Region & South Simcoe
Completing 2,000 push-ups is a meaningful way to pause and remember that behind every statistic is a real person, a family, and a community touched by loss.
Designed for Everyone — Not Just Fitness Enthusiasts
You don’t need to be a push-up expert to take part. The challenge is designed to be inclusive and accessible.
You can choose:
- Modified push-ups (on knees, against a wall, or on an elevated surface)
- Other movements like planks, squats, sit-ups, or anything that works for your body
The goal is participation, not perfection. Move how you can, modify as needed, and show up in the way that feels right for you.
The Link Between Mental and Physical Health: Moving Through Winter
Several studies have demonstrated that regular exercise can positively affect depressive symptoms, resulting in better mental health and quality of life. Even small amounts of movement can make a difference.
The Push-Up Challenge offers a simple way to stay active during winter while also feeling connected to others. Whether you’re moving on your own, with family, or as part of a team, participating helps reduce isolation, create routine, and build a sense of purpose. Moving together reminds us that mental and physical health go hand in hand, and that support is always within reach.
Why Workplaces Across York Region and South Simcoe Are Getting Involved
The Push-Up Challenge is an easy, accessible way for workplaces to start meaningful conversations about mental health.
It works because:
- It’s free and simple: No equipment or fees
- It builds connection: Teams can participate together, even remotely
- It’s flexible: Employees can move anytime, anywhere
- It sparks conversation: The app provides education while the activity brings people together
- It’s easy to implement and creates real impact: For employees and the broader community.
How the Push-Up Challenge Supports CMHA York Region and South Simcoe
When you register, you can select CMHA York Region and South Simcoe. Fundraising is optional, but if you choose to take part, every dollar raised stays local and supports our mental health programs.
Your support helps:
- Evidence-based programs for children, youth, and adults experiencing mental health challenges
- Community education and workshops that reduce stigma
- System navigation support that helps people find the right care at the right time
- Trauma-informed group programs that build coping skills and resilience
Staying Connected Beyond the Challenge: Community Connections (16+)
For people aged 16 and older who want to stay connected after the challenge, Community Connections offers a welcoming next step.
This program focuses on reducing isolation and building a sense of belonging through group activities, shared experiences, and skill-building—without pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with. There are multiple groups and events happening throughout the month that you can choose from.
People join virtually or in-person for many reasons: to feel less alone, add structure to their week, or be in a space where mental health conversations feel normal. There’s no need to be in crisis and no expectation to have everything figured out.
Community Connections helps keep the sense of support going, long after the Push-Up Challenge ends.
Explore upcoming groups here: CMHA Community Connections Calendar
How to Get Involved in The Push-Up Challenge
Getting started is easy:
- Register – Visit The Push-Up Challenge website and sign up solo or as a team
- Select CMHA York Region & South Simcoe to keep support local
- Download the App – Track reps, access daily mental health facts, and connect with others
- Start Moving (Your Way) – From February 5–27, 2026, complete your push-ups or modified movements at your own pace
- Consider Fundraising – Share your page with your network, every dollar supports our local mental health programs
You don’t have to do it alone. Join coworkers, friends, family—or participate on your own and connect through the app.
A Final Invitation to Push for Better — Together
Mental health challenges don’t take a break in February, but this month offers a chance to move, connect, and remember those we’ve lost.
Whether you complete all 2,000 reps or modify the challenge, fundraise or simply participate, every action matters. Small steps, taken together, can make a real difference.
We’d be honoured to have you join us!
Ready to register? Visit our Push-Up Challenge website and select CMHA York Region and South Simcoe.
