NEWS RELEASE
CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION YORK AND SOUTH SIMCOE
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Newmarket – Residents of York Region and South Simcoe are urged to come together to support youth who are struggling more than ever after two years of isolation. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) York Region and South Simcoe is introducing in-person and virtual options to its popular Mental Health in Motion annual fundraising event. On Sunday June 12, people are invited to walk, run or cycle to raise funds to support youth mental health. Mental Health in Motion is the largest fundraiser for youth mental health in York Region.
“Young people’s lives are at risk right now. In a study of Canadian youth, 48 per cent said their mental health has worsened since the onset of the pandemic. To stop them from suffering alone, we need to work together with residents, businesses, neighbours, friends and family in the communities we serve,” said Rebecca Shields, CEO of CMHA York Region and South Simcoe. “The funds raised through Mental Health in Motion are critical to keeping MOBYSS on the road and helping our youth get the local support they so desperately need.”
On Sunday June 12, more than 400 attendees are expected to participate in-person at Ray Twinney Recreation Complex, 100 Eagle Street West, Newmarket. Routes and options are available for all skill levels and ages including a 60km or 25km ride, 10km run and 5km run/walk. Routes will begin at 8:30 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. For those who want to join virtually, participants can run, walk or cycle their chosen distance anytime, anywhere from now until June 12th .
To register to participate in-person or virtually visit cmhainmotion.ca. Funds raised will support mental health programs and services for young people ages 12 to 25 years old in York Region and South Simcoe.
CMHA is grateful for the support of presenting sponsor Staples Canada and sponsors: McDonald’s Canada, Cattanach Hindson, Sutton, Vanveldhuizen LLP Barristers and Solicitors, United Soils Management, Bell Canada, Sentia, Knowledge Broker Real Estate and 105.9 The Region. To donate or sponsor the event visit cmhainmotion.ca.
Youth Mental Health Programs in York Region and South Simcoe
CMHA offers a variety of programs for those aged 12 and above including MOBYSS (pronounced mo-bies), Ontario’s first and only mobile health clinic for youth ages 12 to 25. MOBYSS travels to where youth are in York Region and South Simcoe, offering free support for mental health, physical health, and sexual health support. Learn more about the bus at mobyss.ca.
Additional youth services include supportive telephone counselling line, Youth Wellness, BounceBack Ontario’s free guided self-help for youth and adults experiencing mild-tomoderate depression, newcomers support, housing support services, employment services, case management, recovery-oriented groups and more. CMHA York Region and South Simcoe also offers Family Support Groups for those who are caring with a loved one with mental illness. For more information visit cmha-yr-on.ca/programs/youth.
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