Putting a lens on suicide awareness

By Chris Jones/The Oshawa Express

Those who have survived suicide attempts, as well as those affected by it, will be joining Distress Centre Durham for their annual Walk for Suicide Awareness.

The five km walk takes place on Sept. 7 at Cullen Park, 300 Taunton Road West in Whitby, and is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

It’s organized by Distress Centre Durham (DCD), Durham Region Health Department, and the Youth Suicide Prevention Action Group.

Victoria Kehoe, executive director at DCD, says the walk began when the organization began its suicide survivor support program.

“One of the people that was involved in helping us develop that program suggested that we have an event for the survivors,” explains Kehoe. “So, we brainstormed some ideas about what to do, and thought about making it a more broad, suicide awareness walk to really raise the awareness of the impact that suicide has on the families, the individuals, and the communities at large.”

Because DCD is a non-profit organization, making it a fundraiser brings in resources to continue programming.

Last year there were 250 participants in the walk, raising a total of $35,000.

According to Kehoe, participation levels have historically been between 200 and 300, but she expects to see up to 400 people this year.

The registration process can be done on the day of the event, but those interested can also preregister by calling the Durham Distress Centre office at 905-430-3511 or emailing megan@distresscentredurham.com, and send their full name and mailing address.

“When they come that day, we’ll do the registration first, and then we have a short stretching warm up, then we all leave at the same time after remarks from Whitby Mayor Don Mitchell,” explains Kehoe.

She says everyone will then walk two-and-a-half kms before turning back.

There will then be a barbecue, followed by a remembrance ceremony.

“Previously we have done a helium balloon release, and it was really powerful and meaningful because people would write messages… but given environmental concerns about the damage of balloons, we wanted to change that,” says Kehoe.

Registration is $30, but free for those who raise $30 or more before the event.

Kehoe encourages anyone who is struggling with thoughts of suicide to call their 24-hour helpline at 905-430-2522.

For more information about the walk, visit https://distresscentredurham.com/annual-suicide-awareness-walk/