Time to ‘step it up’ for mental health

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Photo by Pat Ferranco

From Nov. 3 to Nov. 9, Uxbridge residents are being urged to "Step It Up" to support mental health programs. One thing that might encourage Uxbridgians to join the cause is that the fundraiser was started in Uxbridge three years ago and is now spreading across the country.

Sue Bennett and her team at Bennett Design Associates started the campaign as a grassroots event after a member of the company was devastated when a third member of her family - including her father - died by suicide. To date, Step it Up Canada has raised over $70,000 and hopes to reach $100,000 in 2025. The funds raised all go to the Canadian Association for Mental Health (CAMH) to help expand mental health care.

This year’s drive will begin at a kick-off event in Toronto, and includes a cheque presentation to CAMH. For those who can't get to Toronto, Bennett Design will show a live feed at its office on Douglas Street, open to all to watch.

“This cause is deeply personal for us,” said Erin Wynn, director of communications at Bennett Design, who designed the project. “Step it Up Canada is our way of transforming grief into positive change and we’re inviting our partners, peers, and communities to walk with us."

Company staffer Andrea Fraser said November was chosen for the event because "it's dark and depressing" as mental health issues can be. As well, she said, getting outside is good for mental health.

For more information on the cause, visit stepitupcanada.com.