I’ve had a passion for the outdoors since I was a small child. Being in the wild was a comforting place for me in challenging times and this extended into adulthood. Eventually, hiking and outdoor activities became an essential coping strategy to ease stress, overcome challenges and manage my mental health and well-being.

The Nuumu Poyo trail, otherwise know as the John Muir Trail, has been a bucket list goal of mine. This hike is 380km through the High Sierras in Southern California, summiting the tallest peak in the continental US. To me, this journey symbolizes victory over the many obstacles I have had to overcome in my life, and I feel drawn to dedicate this hike to others facing mental health challenges in their lives. With the pandemic easing off, now is the time. I will hit the trail on July 28th, 2023!

I want to use this epic adventure to raise awareness for this wonderful non-profit organization and de-stigmatize reaching out for help before, during and after mental health crisis.

I have chosen to raise funds for Foundry BC, specifically the virtual chapter, who help support teenagers and young adults with a variety of free services and professionals, to help teens and young adults thrive. Foundry was born when a small group of psychiatrists from St. Paul’s Hospital noticed a lack of much needed support for this age bracket and founded this unique integrative approach to meet these needs. 

This organization has had a wonderful impact in the lives of some in my inner circle and it is my honour to give back and help raise awareness of their wonderful work, services and approach. In my opinion, they are fulfilling a much-needed demand that our government’s mental health approach is failing to provide.

I realize I will have very challenging days while on the trail, but knowing I am doing this for a greater purpose will give me the drive I need to conquer whatever challenges come my way.

I would be greatly honored if you might consider donating to this great organization to help support our young people as they face this complicated journey called life.

Please make a donation today!