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Starling Community Services.

Community Taking “Steps for Kids”


on May 2, 2019
Steps For Kids Logo
Steps For Kids Family
 
  • 600 people expected to raise $130,000 for children’s mental health this weekend.

WATERLOO (May 2, 2019): To launch Children’s Mental Health Week 2019, Lutherwood is hosting its annual Steps for Kids fundraising walk. This year’s event, expected to attract more than 600 walkers, will build awareness of and raise funds for children and youth learning to cope with their mental health struggles.

Presented by RBC, Steps for Kids is a fun and inspirational 3 and 5 km walk through the beautiful countryside near the St. Jacobs Farmer's Market. The annual event, Steps for Kids will take place at 285 Benjamin Road in Waterloo on Sunday, May 5th. All proceeds raised will provide specialized mental health support for children and youth within Lutherwood’s programs.

“Twenty percent of youth struggle with their mental health,” said Dr. John Colangeli, CEO of Lutherwood, “yet most go without treatment because they are concerned about what others will think. That’s why we invite the community to join us on a walk each year - to help break down that stigma, to raise funds for children's mental health, and most importantly to show youth in our community that we support them.”

Individuals, teams and families can choose to walk either the 3 or 5 kilometre loop in this fun walk through the countryside. At the finish line, there will be family activities, live performances by youth bands, interactions with a larger than life balloon mascot, snacks and refreshments and a special ice cream flavour chosen by youth at Lutherwood and created just for the event.

Participants can register at www.lutherwoodstepsforkids.ca. Registration is free and participants are encouraged to fundraise to support the event’s $130,000 fundraising goal.

The event will take place at Lutherwood’s Children’s Mental Health Centre, located at 285 Benjamin Road in Waterloo.

Registration Opens 8:30 am
Opening Ceremonies 9:30 am - 10:00 am
Walk and Fun Run 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Food and Entertainment: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Join us Sunday and help lift the stigma of mental health and lift lives!

Media Contact
Chris Sellers
Director, Lutherwood
519-707-1958 ext. 1237

"I was different and bullied at school. When I came to Lutherwood, I didn’t want to stay. But I learned skills to help me manage situations and my emotions. When it was time to go home, I didn’t want to leave."