By Roger White

Large show of support for first ever suicide awareness walk

Sep 11, 2017 | 9:15 AM

Over 100 people came out to raise awareness for those who suffer from mental illness.

More than $16,000 was raised through pledges and silent auction suring the first annual Cody Duhaime Memorial five kilometer walk for suicide awareness in Meota on Sunday. All money raised will be donated to the Battlefords Mental Health Centre.

Cody Duhaime’s grandmother Sylvia Duhaime said she was overwhelmed by the show of support.

“I am extremely grateful to see how many people came out,” Sylvia said. “There‘s probably three times the amount of people we expected so I am very pleased with this turnout. “

Cody Duhaime died by suicide in 2015, and Sylvia said while raising the funds for the Battlefords Mental Health was important, the focus of the walk was to get people talking about mental illness.

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“Our goal was to get a conversation started between parents and children,” Duhaime added. “I believe we achieved that.”

Helen Urlacher from Wilkie, who was a cousin to Cody, said it was an emotional day.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better turnout or better weather for this walk,” Urlacher said. “It was amazing to see how this community rallied behind the family.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, you are urged to contact the nearest Saskatchewan Crisis Centre. 

Roger.white@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:  @battlefordsNOW