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The fifth annual ‘Darcy’s Nature Walk’ that took place on Saturday, June 9th was a success, seeing nearly 200 participants for the walk at Fireman’s Park in Bellevue.
The 5km nature walk was open to anyone of any age, and there was no obligation for fundraising or donations in order to participate.
At the end of the day, $7,600 was raised, money that will go to the Crowsnest Pass Health Region’s efforts to educate and support people dealing with mental health issues.
Randi Rinaldi, Darcy’s husband and organizer for the event, said that the event was a great way to get out, get some fresh air and have fun with friends and family.
“We raise money for a good cause, and have a great time while we do it,” Rinaldi said.
The event was started the summer after Darcy Rinaldi took her own life, after a fight with depression. The walk’s goal was to raise awareness, and to open the communication lines about mental illness. It was a way to get people out and more active, therefore increasing their mental wellness.
In the first two years of the Darcy Nature Walk alone, the Rinaldi family raised $30, 000 toward local mental health projects. |
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The success of the event has only grown since then.
“It started with just family and friends,” Rinaldi said. “It eventually grew bigger, and more people participated.”
Registration for the event started at 9 a.m. on June 9, and the walk started at 10. Although the event was free, but donations to the Crowsnest Pass Health Foundation were accepted.
Draws and prizes were given out at the Darcy Nature walk, due to the donations of local people of the Crowsnest Pass.
“Come out and enjoy yourself,” Rinaldi said. “Meet new people and have a hotdog.”
Already, the Rinaldi family has established a comfort room at the local hospital, set up a $1000 post-secondary scholarship fund for Crowsnest Consolidated High School graduates, and purchased assets for Blairmore mental health.
Future projects include: establishing a partnership with Chinook Primary Care Network and multiple providers of the Crowsnest Pass such as RCMP, nurses, doctors and teachers, and building upon existing resources available in the community and ensuring every measure is taken to guarantee the endorsement of therapy/program opportunities.
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