Mohawk Mountaineers saw tremendous community support through a weeklong (Jan. 24-28) mental health campaign that saw funds raised for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
Recognized as Canada's leading mental health hospital and one of the world's leading research centres in its field, CAMH has more than 3,000 physicians, clinicians, researchers, educators and support staff that offer clinical care to more than 34,000 patients each year.
The Mountaineers mental health week and CAMH fundraiser was planned and organized by cross country student-athlete Ashley Lof, head coach David Hopton and the rest of the cross country team.
Lof and Hopton had initially set a fundraising goal of $500. In under 24 hours, with the support of the Mountaineers community, that goal was surpassed and in one week a total of $1,350 was raised for CAMH.
"I was so excited to see so many people both within and outside the Mohawk community donating," said Lof.
Hopton added that the cross country team was blown away by the support.
"I think it just speaks to how important mental health is right now," Hopton said.
But with the goal of raising money also came a challenge. For every $5 donated the cross country team would complete one rep of the Chedoke Stairs (289 steps).
In the end it totaled to 270 reps and 78,030 steps of the stairs, which were completed by the Mountaineers in under two hours on one of the coldest days of the year.
Hopton credited his team for collectively coming together to complete the task.
"It took everyone showing up for one another and I think it turned into a great bonding experience for our team," he said. "Personally, I'm still having a hard time walking down the stairs two days later."
Lof, who has competed at both the OCAA and CCAA championships multiple times during her three years at Mohawk, called it a cool experience.
"It was really encouraging to see our team do more than just talk, but actually get out and do something for this great cause," Lof said. "Even though we were cold and exhausted, everyone had smiles on their faces all the way to the end.
In addition to the fundraiser and challenge, Mountaineers mental health week included a social media campaign that encouraged students to complete daily tasks that would help improve their wellbeing. A Mountaineers Podcast was also recorded with Lof, Hopton and athletic consellor Sean Sydor discussing tips and resources around sport and mental health.
While the conversation around mental health has progressed in recent years, Hopton emphasized that there is still a long way to go.
"I am constantly reminded that one small conversation or action can be all the difference for someone," Lof added. "Hopefully people learned at least one thing from mental health week and maybe some will lead healthy mind initiatives of their own."
Mountaineers are committed to continuing the conversation around mental health and ensuring our student-athletes mental health is kept at the forefront.
