Waterloo Regional Homes for Mental Health

WRHMH champions the recovery of people with mental health issues by increasing affordable housing and support service through resource acquisition, expanded community partnerships, collaboration and advocacy.

Fundraising Goal

In association with Waterloo Regional Homes for Mental Health all funds pledged and donated for the event will be used to equip persons facing serious mental health challenges with proper fitting athletic shoes. Many of these individuals are being supported through ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) or have minimum wage jobs and do not have the means to purchase adequate footwear for walking. As a result of our 2009 race over 200 pairs of shoes were given out to those who are choosing fitness as a means to recover from mental health challenges.

People In Motion

The genesis of this event originated in the People in Motion program. The program recognizes the alarming fact that people who are dealing with mental health challenges have a 2-4 times greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than the general population.

The reasons for this are many and complex; however, one clearly identifiable cause is a lifestyle marked by inactivity and limited nutritional choices. Participants are given the chance to take action on these issues as they become exposed to a healthier lifestyle by taking part in a wide variety of courses including yoga, walking, nutrition and fitness programs at the Y. The program continues to surpass its' goals and has now expanded to include the neighbouring cities of Cambridge and Hamilton.

It is the goal of the KW Walking Classic to support this program and all mental health programs in our community with the donation of a properly sized and fitted pair of fitness shoes for all participants.

People in Motion program participant and graduate Rob de Boyrie, took part in the 2008 5km event and was one of the first recipients of shoes donated by Minds in Motion.  Read Rob's personal account of how the program helped him on his way to recovery.