Theo, Victor, and a walk to Ottawa

12 05 2013

As we honour mothers today, one mother’s son is preparing for a journey that would make any parent proud.

On May 14, former NHL star Theo Fleury will begin a walk that will take him from Toronto to Ottawa. He plans to arrive in the capital on May 23rd, and will be heading to Parliament.

Why?

victor-the-frogTheo Fleury is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Actually, he’s a Victor over childhood sexual abuse. And that’s why his walk to Ottawa is being billed as The Victor Walk. You can check out his web site to learn more about this brave undertaking, and why it’s called the “Victor” walk (you’ll also meet Victor, a cool symbol for this project with a great story behind it): www.victorwalk.com

Canadians are encouraged to line his route, show their support, and lend their voices to his journey (or join a local walk if one is being held in your community). Those able to meet him in Ottawa can take part in the finish of his walk and help to deliver a message to Parliament in support of Theo’s quest to put these crimes against children on the national agenda – a message about healing and advocacy that is important for us all to embrace.

Here’s wishing Theo and his team the very best for their 10-day trek. And thanks, Theo, for standing as a leader in this vital conversation.


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Categories : child abuse, community development, crime and violence, EnMark Associates, media, mental health, youth

May 7 is National Child and Youth Mental Health Day

7 05 2013

When you see a child today, whether playing in the park or getting off the school bus, stop to remember this: mental health is largely invisible – you can’t identify a child with mental health challenges simply by appearance. And remember, too, that one-in-five Canadian children has a mental illness severe enough to impair their ability to function.

It is estimated that 1.2 million children and youth in Canada are affected by mental illness each year. More than 70 per cent of adults living with a mental illness say the onset occurred before age 18 (Mental Health Commission of Canada). Take a moment today to think about the importance of mental health in all our lives, and think about ways you can support the mental health of kids in your circle of influence. Twenty percent of the children in our lives will benefit – and that will be visible and life-changing.

child mental health


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Categories : child abuse, community development, mental health, youth