The Grey Bruce community has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to mental health and wellness by raising $33,147 for the Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce (CMHA Grey Bruce) through the eagerly anticipated Push Up Challenge.
This inspiring event, which ran from February 1, to 23, has not only contributed significant financial support but also sparked widespread conversations about mental health, aiming to dismantle the stigma surrounding the topic.
Participants from all corners of the community took to social media to share their journey through the Push Up Challenge, creating an online movement that underscored the importance of mental health awareness and support. The challenge saw a remarkable outpouring of encouragement, stories, and advocacy, highlighting the collective effort to bring mental health to the forefront of community conversations.
Stacy Fenwick who entertained and educated through many social media videos emerged as the top fundraiser, contributing an impressive $3,525 to the grand total. Fenwick, alongside other top fundraisers—Rob Walker ($2,996), radio personality JD Moffat ($1,520), CMHA Grey Bruce Board Chair Sean McMurray ($1,220), and Geoff Fullerton ($1,005)—played pivotal roles in driving the challenge’s success. Their dedication and enthusiasm in rallying support and funds were instrumental in the event’s impact.
The challenge also saw significant participation from schools, clubs, businesses, media outlets and other organizations throughout Grey Bruce, demonstrating the community’s collective spirit. A special acknowledgment goes to Built Strength and Conditioning, not only for being the top fundraising team with $2,750 raised but also for their owner, Emily Bass, who helped us produce an alternative push-ups video to make the challenge accessible and inclusive for all participants.
Further enriching the event, Chris Evans dedicated 23 days to promoting mental health through engaging social media posts. His efforts were amplified by guest appearances from notable figures such as Owen Sound Attack Captain Colby Barlow and Toronto Maple Leaf Alumni Shayne Corson, who lent their voices to advocate for mental health awareness.
“The Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who donated, participated, and initiated meaningful conversations about mental health. This challenge has once again highlighted the power of community and the importance of supporting each other in times of need,” said the organization. “As we reflect on the success of this year’s Push Up Challenge, with over 2.3 million dollars raised for CMHA’s in Canada, we look forward with anticipation to next February, ready to “Push Up” once more in support of mental health. Together, we are making a difference—one push-up at a time.”
