By: Angelo Lucier, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
Two Grade 12 Sabre students, Gwen Flanagan and Yatra Patel, recently capped months of hard work with a successful charity event: Race for Resilience. Their efforts raised $4,287 for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Windsor-Essex, surpassing their original fundraising goal.
Held at Malden Park, the event featured a 5 km walk/run with various stations designed to promote physical and mental wellness. Challenges included singing in front of a group, climbing the park’s famous hill, and other activities aimed at encouraging resilience and teamwork. Prizes for the fastest, most charitable, and most spirited teams were awarded by local sponsors Macro Foods, The Rare Butchery, and Mr. Puffs, respectively.
Flanagan said the event brought “so much joy and excitement” to everyone involved and expressed gratitude for the community’s generosity. Patel emphasized the importance of spreading awareness about mental health, noting, “I hope it started more conversations about mental health in our community, as these conversations contribute to the overall impact of the event.”
Teacher sponsor Rob Jasey praised the students for their dedication and leadership, saying, “They performed admirably, and I thoroughly enjoyed assisting them and watching them rise to the occasion.”
The CMHA Windsor-Essex branch provides programs for people living with serious mental illness through primary care, health promotion, and supportive housing. Donations can be made through their website.