The Walk of Remembrance is back again in Lloydminster on Sept. 14.
The annual event is held on a Saturday close to world suicide prevention day (WSPD).
“It coincides with world suicide prevention day, which is normally Sept. 10 every year,” said Neil Harris, co-organizer for the Walk of Remembrance.
Harris says the walk is meant to provide support for the families that have been impacted by suicide.
“It’s our 15th annual walk of remembrance, it’s an annual walk that was started to provide support, resources and information to family members and friends who have lost a loved one to suicide,” he said.
“It’s a chance for family members and friends to get together and remember that loved one they lost.”
The walk provides a chance for families that may feel like they’re alone going through this kind of grief to realize other families have lost someone to suicide, and Harris says, “That can provide comfort and hope to them.”
“It’s a chance to remember the life of that loved one,” he said.
The walk begins Sept. 14 at the group picnic site at Bud Miller All Seasons Park at 3 p.m.
There will be a welcome and opening ceremony with remarks from the alderman and mayor, followed by the memorial walk around Bud Miller before returning for guest speaker Colin Millang, an Alberta farmer and mental health advocate.
There will be snacks, refreshments, music and a chance to interact with others following the speaker.
Harris says people are asked to bring a lawn chair and a photo of a loved one or note, something to put up on the memory board.
He says he’s heard from those who have attended the walks, and they say it’s important.
“The walk is important, families and individuals will come up to us and talk about how this has brought them some hope and strength to get through,” explains Harris.
“Particularly if their loss has been recent, it gives them hope and helps them through their grief journey, it’s valuable to the people that attend.”
Harris says awareness is a major part of why the walk is important.
“The other part is creating awareness. We always make sure in our walk, whether it’s the guest speaker or the MC, we’ll talk about the resources available in our community and in our area where people can go to get help.”
“Help is available, they just need to reach out if they are struggling. The walk provides support for those who have lost someone to suicide, it provides information, support and resources to someone who may be struggling with mental health problems, depression, anxiety or things like that may give them hope there is help out there. It’s readily available if they make the call or connect with those supports.”
Harris says he would like to thank the active planning partners, Walking Through Grief Society, Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre, Midwest Victim Services and Connect Sport.
Local sponsorships from businesses helped to provide donations such as food and coffee to make the event happen.
Harris says the Walk of Remembrance is not a fundraiser, its goal is to provide support and awareness.
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