New Westminster residents are once again encouraged to take a walk in the park for a good cause.
The second annual Miles for Mental Health run and walk event is scheduled for Saturday, May 12 at 10 a.m. at Queen's Park in New Westminster.
The Canadian Mental Health Association - Simon Fraser Branch is hosting this event to raise awareness for mental health and reduce the stigma of mental illness.
One in five Canadians will experience a mental illness, according to the association, which reports the second leading cause of death among young people aged 16 to 24 is suicide, while the leading cause of hospitalization among the active population aged 20 to 40 is mental illness.
The family-friendly run and walk, presented by Douglas College and supported by the City of New Westminster and other partners, will feature live music, food vendors, an art exhibition and keynote speeches.
The association's Simon Fraser branch serves 130 housing clients, more than 200 outreach clients and a varying number of clients for other services each year.
To register, or for more information about the Miles for Mental Health run and walk, visit www. mentalhealthrun.ca.