As a national mental health organization, we fully understand that along with COVID-19 physical symptoms, there is a significant mental health component that is affecting the majority of us. Depression and anxiety are pervasive in most Canadian homes during this stressful time. That is why today, the Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) extends an invitation to Canadians to support the 6th Annual Canal Pursuit for Mental Health Campaign through much-needed donations and sponsorship as Clay Williams leads a Relay Run from Port Severn to Kingston and all the way to Ottawa.
The purpose of the Relay Run is to raise funds and awareness of depression, end the stigma of mental illness, and to encourage people to reach out for help while engaging in physical activity. Following physical distancing and government guidelines, the Canal Pursuit relay is a 750 km run, roughly follows the Trent Severn Canal from Port Severn to Trenton and then the Rideau Canal from Kingston to Ottawa, stopping in at each of the 88 locks on the way. This year, the runners will start on August 22nd and complete the route in 8 days, running 100 km per day, and finishing on August 29th, 2020 at Parliament Hill.
Canal Pursuit for Mental Health is receiving support and encouragement from MDSC. “The conversation that we want to promote with this project is two-fold”, says Clay. “First, if you’re struggling with a mood disorder, talk to someone you trust. The second part of the message is that physical activity can help make many symptoms of mood disorders more manageable, fitting in with the national Defeat Depression campaign. We all have an important role to play in removing the stigma around mental illness so that people can feel comfortable reaching out to seek treatment.”
“The Mood Disorders Society of Canada is very proud to support Clay Williams on this physically challenging campaign that exemplifies one man’s passion to make a difference as the team runs tirelessly, so too should we all stop and realize that mental illness affects us all, and we all need to come together and support change within mental health in Canada,” states Dave Gallson, National Executive Director, MDSC.
Due to COVID-19, this year more than ever we need your help. Please take care of yourself and your family’s mental wellness while supporting a great cause.
Information and Donations
More information about the Defeat Depression Canal Pursuit for Mental Health can be found on the Canal Pursuit Facebook page, on Instagram @canalpursuit and on Twitter @canalpursuit. Daily communications during the run and GPS tracking are also part of this campaign. Donations are greatly appreciated – large and small – all count! There are two ways people can donate:
1) Online at the Defeat Depression Canal Pursuit website.
2) Mail a cheque payable to “Mood Disorders Society of Canada” to: 46 Hope Crescent, Belleville, Ontario K8P 5S2. Be sure to note: Canal Pursuit in the memo section of your cheque.
Defeat Depression is a national mental health fundraising and awareness campaign. Volunteers and organizations across Canada organize walks, runs, and other physical or social activities to support awareness of mental health, reduce stigma, and encourage people to come forward for the help they need. For more information visit www.defeatdepression.ca.
MDSC is a national, not-for-profit, Lived Experience-driven, voluntary health charity committed to ensuring that the voices of those with lived experience of mental illness, family members and caregivers are heard on issues relating to mental health and mental illness; and in particular, with regard to PTSD, depression, bipolar illness and other associated mood disorders. MDSC is working on raising the awareness of mood disorders as treatable medical disorders and eliminating barriers to full community participation by reducing discrimination and stigma among the public, treatment and service providers, and governments.
For further information:
Clay Williams, CET
Canal Pursuit for Mental Health
100mileclay@gmail.com
Or;
Mood Disorders Society of Canada
Tel: 613-921-5565
E-mail: info@mdsc.ca
Call/Text: 226-979-8155
