Steps for Kids Surpasses Goal, Raises $148,000

on June 12, 2017

Lutherwood surpasses fundraising goal
600 people walk for children’s mental health

On Sunday May 7, more than 600 members of the community gathered at Lutherwood’s Children’s Mental Health Centre to talk about children’s mental health and raise funds for children’s mental health programs.

Lutherwood’s annual Steps for Kids walk aims to increase mental health awareness and understanding to help reduce the stigma associated with having a mental illness. By reducing the stigma, it is hoped that more people will access community supports. The walk also raises funds that are critical to support Lutherwood’s children’s mental health programs.

We are grateful for all of the support we received from participants, volunteers, staff, donors and sponsors, who made this year’s event more successful than ever. More than 600 people walked or ran the 3 or 5 km loops, and 44 local businesses sponsored the event. It was an incredible show of community collaboration for a great cause and as a result, over $148,000 was raised to directly support the youth served by Lutherwood.

“At a time when many organizations are struggling to reach their fundraising goals, we are so grateful that we were able to meet and even exceed ours,” said Donna Buchan, Executive Director of the Lutherwood Child & Family Foundation. “We could not have surpassed our goal without the generosity of our many friends and corporate sponsors, and increased fundraising efforts of our participants. The funds will be used to help so many youth in our community who are struggling with their mental health and looking for ways to cope and heal.”

To everyone who supported Lutherwood Steps for Kids this year, THANK YOU for stepping up! We are fortunate to be supported by such a generous and engaged community and a group of dedicated volunteers and staff.

Mark your calendars for next year’s Steps for Kids event taking place on Sunday May 8, 2018.

Visit our Children's Mental Health Facebook page for photos of the event!