St. Walburg walk aims to raise awareness for mental health and addictions

May 27, 2026 | 1:30 PM

Yellow, green and blue ribbons will soon line trees in St. Walburg as part of a community effort to raise awareness about mental health, addiction and suicide prevention.

“There are two trees that we had planted in Legion Park. One is for those who have lost a loved one and the other one is to support a loved one struggling,” said Shirley Wilson, who started the Walk for Mental Wellness.

During Saturday’s event, participants can choose one of three ribbons representing suicide awareness, mental health or addiction. After completing the walk, they can tie their ribbon around one of the trees.

“Along the walk, there’s quite a few stops that have inspirational posts that you read, and it just makes the walk really memorable,” said town administrator Christine Seguin.

Seguin said the event encourages people to speak up and seek help when they are struggling.

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WALK FOR MENTAL WELLNESS

St. Walburg walk aims to raise awareness for mental health and addictions

3h ago

“We know suicide numbers are very high, and there’s always people that really need help. I want my boys to come to me and say, ‘Hey mom, I need help,’” she said. “With this walk and the speakers we have, a lot of men come out. We just try to promote that it’s OK to say that you need help.”

Wilson said the weekend will begin with a Friday night supper featuring guest speaker Tyler Smith, a survivor of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash and mental health advocate.

While Saturday’s walk and lunch are free, tickets are required for the Friday supper. Proceeds will support future mental wellness events and guest speakers.

“We try and bring in the most knowledgeable speakers that we can find,” Wilson said.

About 95 tickets remain for Friday night’s supper. Tickets are available at Kim’s Service, Brown Bag Liquor Store, Ace Hardware, Graham Foods, Home Hardware and Paradise Hill Ranch and Western Wear.

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Alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com

by Alyssa Rudolph

St. Walburg walk aims to raise awareness for mental health and addictions

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