Help Curt raise money

My sister Vicki, my only sibling, died by suicide when I was just a kid.   She was 10 years my elder and I wasn’t old enough to be aware of her mental health struggles. Her suicide became an undiscussable among family and friends.   I wore this immense shame like a shawl that I couldn’t take off for much of my life.  I felt so alone with my grief.  I assumed no one could possibly understand what I felt.  My greatest fear was to be pitied.  I kept it all bottled up inside.

I am a big supporter of the Distress Centres of Greater Toronto (DCGT) because of the vital services it provides to prevent suicide and for the support provided to survivors.  As a volunteer, I know first hand the positive impact of these services.   A participant in the Suicide Survivor Program recently said in an email : 'Thank you for allowing me to be vulnerable and taking me to the places I needed to go. It was truly a lifeline.'  This sentiment is echoed by so many who have benefited from the unique services provided by DCGT through staff and dedicated volunteers. 

The Walk to End Suicide enables me to contribute to ending the stigma attached with suicide.  It educates us that suicide is a quiet epidemic, and that we all have a role to play in preventing it.  It brings people together who have been impacted by suicide and/or who want to do something about it.  When I participate in the Walk to End Suicide I bask in the love and positive energy of a community of supporters…. I no longer feel alone.

 I hope that you will consider making a contribution to support the life affirming programs provided by DCGT.   

With gratitude, 

Curt