Two local athletes worked to break the stigma around mental health challenges while raising funds at the same time for the Canadian Mental Health Association's South Okanagan Similkameen branch.
Bob Pond, an athletic therapist, and Natalie Macdonald, a registered therapeutic counsellor, took part in a fitness challenge that lasted the month of May and ended with a fundraising gala.
MacDonald cycled a total of 3,000 km, riding every day in May, while Bob lifted over 450,000 pounds in total.
Their cap-off celebration at the Oliver and District Wine Village added to their fundraising, and the pair were able to donate $8,500.
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The six-week course has proven to be a transformative resource for those seeking healthier ways to manage strong emotions and improve their mental well-being, the CMHA SOS said. For more information or to register for the course, please contact Vince at vince.galea@cmhasos.ca or call 250-493-8999.
The same day the donation was announced, the BC Division of the CMHA made another announcement in support of mental wellness across the province.
From the national level on down to branches in B.C.'s Interior and North, CMHA is working to establish a network of support for people whose mental health has been impacted by climate-related disasters from wildfires to floods.
