Help Whitla raise money

This year, I've decided to join my brother in the walk to end suicide which supports the work of the Toronto Distress Centre. 

As some of you may know Mike's wife Lisa (and my friend and sister-in-law) died by suicide on December 26th 2019. In the immediate aftermath of this loss our family was supported by the Toronto DIstress Centre with an amazing program which matches others who have had losses to suicide. Mike and his boys found these sessions to be very helpful as they began to navigate their lives without Lisa. They also assisted my family. The grief and trauma of losing a loved one to Suicide is something that permantly changes survivers of Suicide. 

Each year about 4000 people die by suicide in Canada. This trauma in turn affects 10s of thousands of people who are the friends and family of those lost to suicide. 

The distress centre also provides 24 hour helpline for people who are having suicidal thoughts. It is an incredibly valuable service and it saves many lives.

This coming September I will be walking with Mike and others bereaved by suicide to raise money for the distress centre. The walk is 4000 metres which represents the 4000 people per year that die by suicide in Canada.

This event shines a light on World Suicide Prevention Day (Tuesday September 10, 2024) and continues to highlight action that will help reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts globally, along with continuing to de-stigmatize mental health.