5th Annual Darkness to Light Event to Take Place at Del Crary Park December 21

Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) is hosting its fifth annual Darkness To Light event at Del Crary Park for community members impacted by suicide and overdose this Sunday.

Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

The event is an outdoor sunrise gathering, marking brighter days ahead after the solstice, the day with the least daylight. The ceremony will take place at the entrance to Del Crary Park off Rink Street.

The event will be rain, snow or shine and is free to attend. Organizers ask guests to arrive by 7:30 a.m., as sunrise is expected at 7:45 a.m.

Julie Brown, who has led the event each year, will return to lead the group with a message of support and a moment of silence as the sun rises over Little Lake.

“Our community has been significantly impacted by suicide and overdose and we hope that this gathering will help create a space where those directly touched can come together for a quiet moment,” she said.

New this year, Hospice Grief Listeners will be at the event. Grief listeners are specially trained volunteers who lend a sympathetic ear and sit with people in their grief.

“The holidays can be a difficult time for those struggling with bereavement,” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “After feedback about how impactful the last four ceremonies have been, we are glad to be able to offer once again some comfort for people impacted by suicide and overdose in our community.”

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Youth Mental Health Awareness an Emphasis For Third Annual Harmony for Healing's Fundraising Concert On Feb. 19

Harmony for Healing has announced the third consecutive year of its annual event with ‘Power of Love: Voices of Youth’ as a locally produced mental health awareness campaign and live concert fundraiser to be held at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre on Feb. 19.

(From left to right) Wade Hamblin; ReMax Hallmark Eastern Realty; Callie Lorente, CMHA HKPR Manager of Integrated Crisis Services; Phillip Jolicoeur, Harmony for Healing Founder and Caitlin O’Connor, musician. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This year’s initiative places an even stronger focus on youth mental health, connection and hope. Harmony for Healing creator and producer Phillip Jolicoeur had his mother pass away from suicide in 2022, with the event serving as a tribute to her.

“Harmony for Healing started as a way to turn pain into purpose,” he said. “This year feels especially close to the heart as we lift up youth voices and remind them they matter, they are heard, and they are not alone. These stories and moments are created locally by people who truly care.”

Harmony for Healing has raised over $29,000 to date, including $15,744 raised last year alone, toward its five-year goal of $50,000. All proceeds support the Assertive Outreach Suicide Prevention Program (AOSP) through CMHA Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge, providing life-saving support to individuals and families in crisis.

The event has sold out in the first two iterations, which blend music with meaningful conversations around mental health and suicide prevention.

This year’s awareness campaign centres on stories from local youth, sharing their lived mental health experiences through a professionally produced video series.

@ptbo_canada Harmony for Healing returns for its third consecutive year with a youth-centred mental health awareness campaign and live concert Power of Love: Voices of Youth 💜 #ptbocanada #peterboroughontario #mentalhealth ♬ Vittra - Kasbo

The youth are involved through:

• Production and behind the scenes roles

• Youth storytelling and creative contributions

• Volunteer opportunities

• Live show participation

• Collaboration with up and coming local youth artists

‘Power of Love’ celebrates iconic 1980s anthems performed by 100 percent local musicians, creating an atmosphere of connection, compassion, and community.

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Harmony for Healing Announces Second Benefit Concert ‘Wish You Were Here' For Suicide and Mental Health Awareness

Harmony for Healing has announced the return of its annual event, ‘Wish You Were Here,’ a benefit concert dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention, announced at The El(P) on Wednesday morning.

(From left to right) Wade Hamblin; ReMax Hallmark Eastern Realty; Ellen Watkins CMHA HKPR CEO; Phillip Jolicoeur, Harmony for Healing Founder and Tracy Graham, CMHA HKPR Director of Programs and Services. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The concert is part of Harmony for Healing’s goal of raising $50,000 over five years to provide critical mental health resources. It will be held on Feb. 20 at Market Hall Performing Centre and is meant to transport people back to the sounds of the 1970s.

The goal is to raise at least $10,000 to support the life-saving Assertive Outreach Suicide Prevention program.

“I've ran hundreds of events and there's always community support on some level but for Harmony for Healing last year and then again this year, the amount of people that jump on (not just the support, the cause and the initiative) have their own stories to share is really what thrives an event like this,” said Phillip Jolicouer, Harmony for Healing founder. “Businesses and supports can align themselves with mental health because we're all dealing with it so it means a lot to me more than just the financial aspect.”

Last year's sold-out concert, ‘Spirit In the Sky’ raised $13,500 on Feb. 22 at Market Hall Performing Centre.

Joilcouer says this year, he wanted to amplify his mission through a four-pillar approach.

His four pillars of impact approach are as follows:

1. Awareness: Shedding light on mental health challenges and suicide prevention through personal stories and signs to watch for.

2. Prevention: Empowering our community with tools to foster mental resilience, strengthen support networks, and promote access to mental health resources.

3. Intervention: Sharing guidance on what to do when someone is in immediate crisis, including local support options and crisis hotlines.

4. Post-Vention: Supporting survivors and those impacted by suicide through grief counselling, support groups, and outreach.

Jolicouer’s mother had unexpectedly taken her own life on Nov. 30 and the series of shows is a tribute to her memory.

“My mom loved people. She loved local music and music in general,” explained Jolicouer. “You could see her front row in any of the local venues around town so my connection to her with this was to make a local event to hire local musicians, put on a phenomenal rock concert that I could picture my mom where I could picture her up front dancing and enjoying herself and bringing a message that you're not alone. I want to spread that as loud as possible and through music.”

Registration for the event can be found online.

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Fourth-Annual Darkness to Light Event Brings Community Members Impacted By Suicide Together In Sunrise Gathering

Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) is hosting its fourth-annual Darkness To Light for community members impacted by suicide and overdose on Dec. 21 at Rogers Cove.

Photo courtesy of Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation.

The outdoor sunrise gathering marks brighter days ahead after the solstice which is the day with the smallest amount of daylight.

Julie Brown — who led last year’s event — is returning to lead the group with a message of support and a moment of silence as the sun rises on the winter solstice morning.

The event will be held rain, snow, or shine and is free to attend thanks to the support of Seven Hills Developments. Those wishing to attend can show up the morning of the event but are encouraged to pre-register. Organizers ask guests to arrive by 7:30 a.m., as sunrise is expected at 7:45 a.m.

“The holidays can be a difficult time for those struggling with bereavement. After feedback about how impactful the last three ceremonies have been, we are glad to be able to offer once again some comfort for people impacted by suicide and overdose in our community.” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “All are welcome to join us at Rogers Cove on the morning of December 21st and we would encourage people to come for 7:30 am, have a coffee and join us in a moment of silence as the sun rises over the lake.” 

Donations can be made to the event and proceeds can be used to support the Suicide Bereavement work at Hospice Peterborough.

“Our community has been significantly impacted by suicide and overdose and we hope that this gathering will help create a space where those directly touched can come together for a quiet moment.” said Julie Brown.

“We are very grateful to GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation and Seven Hills Developments for enabling this event to take place again and offering the opportunity for people impacted by suicide and overdose deaths to come together in this meaningful, safe way.” Said Hajni Hős, Executive Director of Hospice Peterborough.

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Third-Annual Darkness to Light Event Brings Community Members Impacted By Suicide Together In Sunrise Gathering

Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) is hosting its third-annual Darkness To Light for community members impacted by suicide and overdose on Dec. 21 at Rogers Cove.

Photo courtesy of Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation.

The outdoor sunrise gathering marks brighter days ahead after the solstice which is the day with the smallest amount of daylight.

Julie Brown — who led last year’s event — is returning to lead the group with a message of support and a moment of silence as the sun rises on the winter solstice morning.

The event will be rain, snow or shine and is free to attend thanks to the support of Seven Hills Developments. Those wishing to attend can show up the morning of the event but are encouraged to pre-register. Organizers ask guests to arrive by 7:30 a.m. as sunrise is expected at 7:45 a.m.

“The holidays can be a difficult time for those struggling with bereavement. After feedback about how impactful the last two ceremonies have been, we are glad to be able to offer once again some comfort for people impacted by suicide and overdose in our community,” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “All are welcome to join us at Rogers Cove on the morning of December 21st and we would encourage people to come for 7:30 a.m., have a coffee and join us in a moment of silence as the sun rises over the lake.”

Donations can be made to the event and proceeds support the Suicide Bereavement work at Hospice Peterborough.

“Our community has been significantly impacted by suicide and overdose and we hope that this gathering will help create a space where those directly touched can come together for a quiet moment,” said Julie Brown.

“We are very grateful to GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation and Seven Hills Developments for enabling this event to take place again and offering the opportunity for people impacted by suicide and overdose deaths to come together in this meaningful, safe way,” said Hajni Hős, Hospice executive director.

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Douro's Cody Crowley Nearing $55,000 Pledge Through Team 55 For CMHA To Raise Suicide Awareness

Douro Boxer Cody Crowley has almost reached his fundraising goal of $55,000 through the local suicide initiative Team 55 for Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of CMHA.

At the start of the year, Crowley and his family pledged to raise $55,000 for Team 55, which supports CMHA HKPR’s Assertive Outreach for Suicide Prevention program (AOSP). The program connects with individuals who have had a suicide attempt and helps them establish a safety plan and connect to support services according to a press release.

In March, Crowley raised $20,000 through a local viewing party at Dr. J’s BBQ and a raffle for two to fly to Las Vegas to attend his match in the Welterweight Title against Abel Ramos.

Last Saturday, Crowley and his family hosted an inaugural golf tournament, the Heart Opener, at Keystone Links in memory of his father, Jim Crowley and Michael Wood. The event saw over 100 golfers and raised over $28,000.

“On top of how successful both of these fundraising initiatives were, the biggest impacts have been the connections that have been formed within the community and the continuation of my own healing from my father’s passing,” said Crowley. “ A lot of love has and will continue to be exchanged as we heal together as a community and prioritize mental health and wellness.”

Individuals can donate by going online and selecting ‘Cody Crowley Campaign,’ from the drop-down menu.

“Let’s continue changing the narrative around mental health and working together as a community to make resources accessible to all,” said Crowley.

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Video: Cody Crowley Hosting Inaugural Team55 Tackles Suicide Golf Tournament Fundraiser For July 8

As part of Cody Crowley’s pledge to raise at least $55,000 for Team 55 Tackles Suicide initiative, he is hosting his inaugural charity golf tournament at Keystone Links Golf on July 8.

@ptbo_canada ♬ son original - FIGHTER 🥊🔥

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Dr. J's Hosting Viewing Party For Douro's Cody Crowley's Vegas Bout On Saturday Night

Ahead of Douro boxer Cody Crowley’s biggest fight in Las Vegas, boxing fans can view his fight at Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews viewing party and aid his ‘55 for Team 55’ fundraiser on Saturday night.

Photo courtesy of Cody Crowley.

The viewing party’s $20 admission fee goes toward Team 55: Let’s Tackle Suicide Awareness and the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Assertive Outreach for Suicide Prevention program.

Crowley has a 21-0 record with nine knockouts. He is fighting Abel Ramos in the Showtime pay-per-view at a Premier Boxing Champions event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. A Team 55 patch is being worn on his trunks for the fight.

Crowley dedicated his fight to his late father Jim Crowley who ended his own life last year. Cody pledged to raise $55,000 for Team 55. There was $18,840 already raised from a raffle with the grand prize of ringside tickets, flight and accommodation to see the fight.

Addison Brown, owner of Dr. J’s BBQ and Brews, has been Cody’s friend for the past eight years and is proud to support him in whatever way possible.

“When he was looking for sponsorships throughout Peterborough, I reached out to him saying ‘I’ve been following you and growing up as an athlete, I’ve had a lot of support with the community and I wanted to sponsor you for the next fight,’” explained Brown. “We grew and developed a relationship. He helped me when I was going through some things about my brother and I did with his father.”

Reservations for the fight can be made at the Dr. J’s website.

Cody spoke at a Team 55 Friday Night Lights fundraiser in 2017 that sparked a friendship with Dave Pogue, Team 55 founder who lost his son Mitchell to suicide.

“Cody’s commitment to fundraising in the name of his father, through his international boxing platform not only is commendable but amazing, as far as we are concerned at Team 55,” he said. “Since 2017, Cody has been a great supporter of our mental health and suicide awareness programs and for him to commit to raising $55,000 for Team 55 this year will help keep our Assertive Outreach for Suicide Prevention program running for another year and a half.”

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Over $18,000 Raised For Suicide Awareness In Douro Boxer Cody Crowley's "55 for 55" Fundraiser

Boxer Cody Crowley’s ‘55 for 55’ fundraiser is off to a good start, raising $18,840 for Team 55: Let’s Tackle Suicide Awareness of their $55,000 goal in a cheque presentation at Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews on Monday.

Scott Elliott won the grand prize for the flight to Vegas to see Crowley’s fight. Photo courtesy of Addison Brown.

The fundraising raffle occurred last Wednesday that featured prizes such as dinner for Dr. J’s, WBC-signed gloves from boxing legends such as Julio Cesar Chavez, Roberto Duran, Gerry Cooney, a One With Life tequila package and a grand prize for a round-trip flight, accommodations and ringside seats to see Cody’s fight.

“Cody Crowley, James Julie Crowley and Kevin Williams really did something amazing by raising $18,840 in just two weeks with help from friends and family,” said Addison Brown, Dr. J’s owner.

Crowley announced the fundraiser in honour of his late father who passed away last year ahead of his 22nd professional fight on March 25 in Las Vegas. The 21-0-0 Crowley is scheduled to box Abel Ramos in a 12-round World Boxing Council (WBC) title elimination fight at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev.

The proceeds are going towards the Assertive Outreach Suicide Prevention program run by the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation and Canadian Mental Health Association.

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CMHA HKPR and Hospice Peterborough Partner On Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group This Spring

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) and Hospice Peterborough have partnered to run the Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group for Peterborough and the surrounding areas this spring.

photo courtesy of hospice peterborough website.

The group is an eight-week program designed to provide participants with information and support as they navigate the changes in their life following the death by suicide of someone close to them. The group will explore aspects of suicide loss, such as stigma, the neurobiology of suicide and tools for coping with grief after suicide as well as connecting participants and encouraging self-care.

“It is difficult to come to a group like this one, because acknowledging and accepting the death is one of the hardest yet most essential steps on our grief journey. A group of complete strangers connecting with one another from such a deep, painful and honest place allows an indescribable magic to unfold. They are committing themselves to this group because they don’t want to go through this alone,” says group facilitator Alice Czitrom.

Grief programming is not government funded and has been made available through the combined efforts of our community. Upcoming Survivors of Suicide Loss groups are made possible through this new partnership between Hospice Peterborough, CMHA and its community fundraising initiatives, such as CMHA HKPR’s 2019 Ride Don’t Hide event.

“We are so pleased to have this partnership with CMHA HKPR to serve our community. This funding will help provide meaningful connections and give those grieving a suicide loss a place to turn to," added Hospice Peterborough executive director Hajni Hős.

After participating in the 8-week program, participants are invited to attend monthly follow-up groups where they can connect with peers from their group as well as attendees from past Survivors of Suicide Loss Groups.”

CMHA HKPR and Hospice Peterborough will also be launching a program for people who have experienced the death of someone close to them as a result of opioids in the fall of 2023.

Individuals can register for the Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group by calling Hospice Peterborough at 705-742-4042 ext. 251.

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