Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce is taking part in the CMHA's first ever national push-up challenge.
CMHA Grey Bruce Fundraising, Special Events & Media Relations Coordinator, Don Vail, says the challenge is new to Canada after taking off in recent years in Australia.
"It has grown bigger and bigger there every single year and has raised a ton of money for mental health in that country and of course, helped people get fitter and fitter each year. This is the first year it's here in Canada, and a number of CMHA branches are taking part, and we're excited here at CMHA Grey Bruce to be one of those branches," Vail excitedly shared.
Vail says the goal is 2,000 pushups, or other exercises like sit-ups or squats, done by participants during the event to represent the 20 percent of Canadians who will experience mental health issues this year.
"So 20 percent, that's 1 in 5 people that will experience mental health challenges this year. We're always around people and there's always someone that you're going to be around that's experiencing an issue at that moment. That's a reality. So with the push-up challenge, which I think is really neat, not only do you have a chance to start working on fitness, which we know helps mental health, but also learn about mental health," Vail noted. "Something to keep in mind, is that if you're like me and you're a little nervous about doing 2,000 pus-ups, there's all kinds of other things you can do. In fact, at the website thepushupchallenge.ca, you can actually find a section that will give you alternate exercises you can do. It's just about doing exercises, so it could be anything from resistance bands to squats. It's just about being active and getting involved."
When you register for the event, CMHA will send daily updates.
"With different stats, different things you can do to help your mental health, and also to remind you that you're part of the push-up challenge. So of course, you're gonna learn, you're gonna feel connected to something bigger and also, if you wanna help by raising some money, as well, you can do that. Of course, that goes to the Canadian Mental Health Association, and we're always working on educating and also helping those that are going through things," added Vail.
The pushup challenge starts February 1 and runs until February 23. CMHA is encouraging individuals, teams, workplaces, clubs, gyms, and schools to register and raise mental health funds. Registration is open at thepushupchallenge.ca.
Vail says when you register online or on the official push-up challenge app, you can select Ontario and CMHA Grey Bruce as your donation hub, so that any donations sent to you or your team go to your local CMHA branch.
To find out more about CMHA Grey Bruce and their programs and available resources, visit https://greybruce.cmha.ca/.