Walk for Courage Raises Record $45,698 for CMHA Grey Bruce
The 4th Annual Walk for Courage raised a record $45,698 for CMHA Grey Bruce, expanding to Hanover for the first time and adding a successful online auction.
The 4th Annual Walk for Courage, held on July 19, 2025, raised a record-breaking $45,698 in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Grey Bruce, marking the most successful year in the event’s history.
For the first time, the walk expanded to two locations: Owen Sound and Hanover. In Hanover, participants gathered at Sulphur Spring Conservation Area, where Hanover Mayor Sue Paterson, Police Chief Chris Knoll, and CMHA Grey Bruce CEO Stephen Musehl opened the event with remarks highlighting the importance of mental health support and community connection across the region.
In Owen Sound, the walk began at Owen Sound Fitness and Training, the site sponsor for the event. Mayor Ian Boddy and Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound MPP Paul Vickers addressed participants before the walk, emphasizing the ongoing need for mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
The Walk for Courage was created in memory of Jeff Courage and has grown into an annual community event supporting those affected by mental health challenges and suicide. Participants walked to honour lost loved ones and to promote connection, education, and healing.
New in 2025 was the addition of an online auction, which raised $6,185. A highlight was the WestJet “Gift of Flight” bundle, which alone brought in $2,500. The auction drew support from across Grey-Bruce and helped boost the total fundraising amount well beyond the previous year.
Top fundraising teams included:
Team Courage – $3,615
Tiger’s Tails – $3,565
Walkie Talkies – $3,535
Among individual fundraisers, Lynda Legge raised $3,535, followed by Kristina Rettie with $950 and Guy Courage with $825.
The event also introduced a new t-shirt colour this year, with over 60 shirts sold.
Funds raised from the walk will go directly toward CMHA Grey Bruce’s mental health education, support services, and suicide prevention programs. CMHA Grey Bruce Fund Development Coordinator Krystal Stukas expressed gratitude for the community’s support, calling this year’s turnout and contributions “inspiring.”
This was also the first year sponsorships were offered for the event, with numerous local businesses stepping forward.
For more information about CMHA Grey Bruce and its programs, visit www.greybruce.cmha.ca.