The COVID-19 pandemic is not getting in the way of Waypoint’s Mental Health in Motion fundraiser this year and in fact, with lead sponsors Bressette Concrete Forming Inc. and Midland Honda back on board, organizers have expanded the event to be an entire week of activities for the whole family.
Taking place during Mental Illness Awareness Week – October 4th to 10th - Waypoint is encouraging you to GET YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IN MOTION – it’s a week to be well. With a goal to raise $25,000, it is also raising funds for local mental health and addiction care and services – an area where the demand is rising with social isolation and other pressures on people’s lives because of the pandemic.
With no registration fee and only a minimum donation/pledge of $25/person and $75/family, participants can join in a week full of mindfulness, wellness and physical activities for the whole family, ending with a Choose Your Own Adventure on October 10th - walk, run, yoga, kayak, wakeboard, paddleboard, bike, swim, jump rope.... the possibilities are endless.
“When the pandemic hit, we had to adjust our inpatient programs and suspend the voluntary Georgianwood mental health and addiction program because of physical spacing needs. Like other services we also quickly moved to providing virtual care for our community clients,” says Carol Lambie, Waypoint president and CEO. “We know that prolonged isolation and worry about the pandemic has begun to take a toll on the mental health of our citizens. The money raised at Get Your Mental Health in Motion will support Waypoint’s new COVID-19 Mental Health Relief Fund.”
The COVID-19 Mental Health Relief Fund will help Waypoint prepare for emerging needs of the pandemic both in hospital and in the community. It will be used to make the necessary changes to re-open beds as soon as possible, as well as be available for innovation to respond to system pressures, equipment and new research to understand the impact of the pandemic on frontline workers’ mental health and the effectiveness of mindfulness training for frontline staff, youth, and the community at large.
“Fundraising at our hospital is dependent on the generosity of our community and those who are making mental health a priority,” says Betty Valentine, Waypoint Board Chair. “Now more than ever Waypoint’s services and collaborative approach to building a stronger system needs your support. We are thrilled to have Get Your Mental Health in Motion back better than ever with a focus on your physical and mental health, and raising funds in support of COVID pressures.”
Get together with those in your bubble, ask your friends and neighbours for pledges, and get moving for mental health. The week-long event calendar includes sessions with pediatrician Dr. Rob Meeder, the OPP, The Yoga House, Dr. Anita Federici, Quest Art, Waypoint Wellness and the North Simcoe Youth Wellness Hub. Visit www.waypointcentre.ca to register and for more information.
