This February, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) North Bay and District is encouraging North Bay locals to push for better mental health by participating The Pushup Challenge, which is described as a "fitness-based mental health initiative."
The February event has participants taking on 2,000 push-ups, representing the estimated 2,000 lives lost to suicide each day, worldwide.
The event begins on Feb. 11 and runs for 18 days.
Canadians from all ages and walks of life will participate in the event which engages people in mental health through connection, physical activity and education.
See related: Northern Ontario youth suicide rate four times higher than provincial average
A Village Media report revealed the rate of suicide among youth is four times higher in northern Ontario when compared to the provincial average, according to newly released data.
Those numbers show the problem is real in our region.
Mary Davis, chief executive officer of the CMHA North Bay and District, believes everyone has mental health challenges and statistics also show 1 in 5 Canadians will face mental health concern in their lifetime.
"The Push-Up Challenge encourages physical and mental health in a fun way that also puts a spotlight on the support needed for essential services in the community," said Davis.
"The funds raised by participants will help some of our service users with extraordinary needs related to their journey to better mental health, and this year, we're looking to double our impact. Let's all push for stronger mental health and to reduce stigma around mental illness.
"The Push-Up Challenge is a free event, and fundraising is optional. Participants can choose to fundraise and support the Canadian Mental Health Association, North Bay and District. Participants of all ages and abilities will push-up while learning about mental health, with the number of daily push-ups changing to reflect a vital mental health fact. Alternatives to push-ups are also encouraged, such as sit-ups, squats or other exercises.
"Progress can be tracked through a logging progress on a dedicated app which also allows you to easily fundraise and see how your mates are doing with the event," the CMHA release continued.
The Push-Up Challenge has been taking place in Australia for the past eight years, with more than 700,000 participants completing 1.2 billion push-ups and raising more than $50 million for mental health. 2025 marks the second time the event will take place Canada, run by the Canadian Mental Health Association. Last year saw more than 49,000 Canadians challenge themselves to complete 2,000 push-ups and raise an incredible $2.4 million dollars.