Runners raise $475,000 for youth mental health at CHEO
Runners from across Ottawa turned out on a cool September morning to help raise $475,000 for youth mental health.
The RBC Race for the Kids event was held Sunday morning at Wesley Clover Parks, with proceeds going toward the CHEO Foundation. It’s the first time in two years that participants have been able to meet in-person.
Two thousand participants took part. The race was divided into two-, five- and 10-kilometre segments, offering something for every skill level, including those just looking for a family fun walk.
Anik Levac and her family joined hundreds for the 2k family fun walk. They have had to use CHEO’s services for their son and are happy to be out supporting an institution that has made such a difference in their lives.
“They are just amazing, so we are here helping out any way that we can,” Levac said. “It was fabulous!”
Steve Read, the acting president of the CHEO Foundation, says mental health resources have been strained for years and the issue was only made worse by the pandemic.
“We have seen a real increase in depression and eating disorders and other forms of mental health issues,” Read said. “ This is going to go a long way to help what is really becoming an increasing demand for mental health services at CHEO.”
The event has raised more than $2.5 million in the last six years, said race chair Marjolaine Hudon, the regional president of personal and commercial banking at RBC.
“Seeing so many colleagues, families, sports teams and friends come together in person was truly inspiring. Thank you for helping ensure youth get the mental health support they need,” Hudon said in a news release Sunday.
The funds raised will help CHEO meet the mental health needs of children and youth across the region, including through 1Call1Click.ca, a bilingual service designed to match kids, youth, and families, living in eastern Ontario, with the right mental health and addiction services, at the right time.
“Thank you to our generous community for coming together and showing your support for youth struggling with mental health challenges,” said Read in a news release. “Funds raised through RBC Race for the Kids helps ensure that children, youth and their families can access care when they need it the most. We are grateful to RBC, Casino du Lac-Leamy, and everyone who participated today.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air quality advisories issued in 5 provinces, 1 territory
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.
No refund for travellers who cancelled flight already scrapped by airline: regulator
Four years on, the controversy over whether airlines owed refunds to passengers after cancelling hundreds of thousands of flights during the pandemic continues to simmer, aggravated by a sluggish, opaque complaints process.
opinion Harry and Meghan's Nigerian adventure: traditional attire to warm welcomes
For her latest column on CTVNews.ca, royal commentator Afua Hagan writes about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent visit to Nigeria, calling it a 'deeply meaningful campaign' that was about aligning their ongoing efforts to foster mental-health awareness and promoting the Invictus Games.
Ontario's need for nurses, PSWs to top 33K and 50K by 2032: document
Ontario will need 33,200 more nurses and 50,853 more personal support workers by 2032, the government projects — figures it tried to keep secret but were obtained by The Canadian Press.
'Oh my God, you're my brother': Man in his 70s discovers 6 unknown siblings
After receiving a DNA kit one Christmas from his son-in-law, Hugh McCormick soon discovered that he had six unknown siblings, with whom he shared the same birth parents.
'It happened so fast': Evacuees describe fleeing Fort Nelson, B.C., wildfire
Thousands have been forced to flee a wildfire burning near Fort Nelson. Meanwhile, some experienced volunteers are staying behind to fight the fire.
Rates of cancer declining in Canada, but more work needed to save lives: projections
A new study projecting declining rates of cancer cases and deaths in Canada demonstrates the success of prevention and early detection programs, but also highlights areas where more work is needed to save and prolong lives, researchers say.
U.S. schools turn to artificial intelligence to spot guns as companies press lawmakers for state funds
Kansas could soon offer up to US$5 million in grants for schools to outfit surveillance cameras with artificial intelligence systems that can spot people carrying guns. But the governor needs to approve the expenditures and the schools must meet some very specific criteria.