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Memorial walk to prevent suicide planned for Meota

Aug 20, 2018 | 5:00 PM

Area organizers are once again planning the Cody Duhaime Memorial Walk fundraiser to benefit mental health in the area and help prevent suicide.

This is the second year of the annual walk.

The five-kilometre walk will be held Sunday, Sept. 9 at 11 a.m. with registration at the Meota Do Drop Inn prior to the event.

Sylvia Duhaime said the event was organized in memory of her grandson Cody who lost his life to suicide in 2015 at the age of 19.

She said it’s important to bring the issue of suicide to the forefront in an effort to help people who may be at risk.

“Years ago we didn’t actually hear about the suicides that were happening,” she said. “Now with Facebook, kids are sharing more. But I do think there are way too many suicides in the Battlefords and area. We need to create some awareness, to try to help these kids to get through it and deal with their problems.”

Duhaime said youth need to be aware there are ways they can get help to overcome challenges in their life without becoming victims to suicide.  

“I feel that the need is growing,” she added.  

Sylvia Duhaime said the funds from the walk will be directed wherever there is a need in the community, to benefit mental health and suicide prevention in the area.

Last year the event raised $17,000.

Pledge sheets for the upcoming Memorial Walk are available at the RM of Meota and Village of Meota offices, as well as at Innovation Credit Union (Meota branch) and at the Meota Family Hair Centre.

 

Angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW