Steps for Kids 2025

Little Steps, Big Impact: Walk for Kids' Mental Health!

This May 4th, 2025, lace up your shoes, grab your friends, and join Starling’s (formerly Lutherwood) Steps for Kids to support children and youth facing mental health challenges in Waterloo Region.

Did you know 51% of students experienced moderate-to-serious symptoms of depression and anxiety in the past year? with 27% facing serious symptoms—a dramatic rise from just 11% a decade ago. At Starling Community Services, we are committed to changing this by ensuring every child in our community has immediate access to the mental health care they need to build bright and hopeful futures.

Every step you take, and every dollar you raise, goes directly to providing vital mental health care through Starling Community Services. Your support powers life-changing programs, from our Children’s Mental Health Centre to Safe Haven Youth Services, ensuring kids have the care they deserve to heal and thrive.

This isn’t just a walk—it’s a chance to come together, have fun, and make a lasting impact. Register today and help create a community where every child can grow up with the support they need!

What’s New and Exciting This Year

We’re stepping things up for this year’s Steps for Kids walk with some brand-new features the whole family (including your furry friends!) will love:

• Free Drawstring Bags for Participants
  Every registered walker will receive an exclusive Steps for Kids drawstring bag—yours to keep and show off with pride!
• Dog Selfie Station
  Strike a pose with your pup at our first-ever dog selfie station—complete with fun props and tasty treats, thanks to our friends at Spoil the Dog Bakery!
• Bigger & Better Kids' Crafts Station
  Let creativity run wild with new craft activities like clothes peg exchanges, custom headband making, and make your own skipper the shoe!
• Steps for Kids Ribbon Display
  Leave your mark by adding a personal message of hope, support, or inspiration to our beautiful community ribbon display.
  
  

Event Info: Sunday, May 4th
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Walk/Run option: 3km or 5km
Location: 285 Benjamin Rd. Waterloo, ON.
Parking: St. Jacobs Farmers' Market - 878 Weber St. N
Shuttles will be provided to Starling Children's Mental Health Centre

Event Agenda
8:45 - 9:40am - Shuttle from parking / Registration / Family Activities
9:40 - 10:00am - Event Kickoff
10:00 - 11:00am - Walk
11:45am - Last Shuttle leaves to parking

Bring your pets and remember to dress for the weather! We will be walking rain or shine.

Starling Child and Family Foundation Charitable # 107650194 RR 0001