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
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
BREAKING Canadian Blood Services apologizes to LGBTQ2S+ community for discriminatory blood donation policy
Canadian Blood Services issued an apology on Friday to the LGBTQ2S+ community for what it now admits was a harmful and discriminatory blood donation policy that prevented sexually active men who have sex with men and some trans people from donating blood and plasma.
BREAKING 'Just wait': Toronto mayor hints that WNBA team is coming to the city amid multiple reports
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says that she is hopeful an announcement could be made soon amid multiple reports that a WNBA team is coming to Toronto in 2026.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.