The eighth annual Darcy’s Nature Walk that took place on Saturday, June 13th was a success, with nearly 300 participants showing up for the walk at Fireman’s Park in Bellevue.
The 5 km 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, $9,000 was raised with proceeds going to the Crowsnest Pass Health Region’s efforts to educate and support people dealing with mental health issues.
According to participants the event is a great way to get out, get some fresh air and have fun with friends and family.
The event was started the summer after Darcy Rinaldi took her own life, after a fight with depression. The walk’s goal is to raise awareness, and to open the communication lines about mental illness. It is a way to get people out and more active, therefore increasing their mental wellness.
To date Darcy’s Nature Walk has raised approximately $80,000. The success of the event grows each year.
Registration for the event started at 9:15 a.m. on June 13th, and the walk started at 10 a.m. Although the event was free, donations to the Crowsnest Pass Health Foundation were accepted.
Draws and prizes were given out at the walk, due to the donations of local people of the Crowsnest Pass.
“This year there were over 30 volunteers and over 80 individuals and businesses who donated prizes,” stated event organizer Julie Rinaldi.

Already, the Rinaldi family has established a comfort room at the local hospital, set up a $1,000 post-secondary scholarship fund for Crowsnest Consolidated High School graduates, and purchased assets for Blairmore mental health.
“Last year the foundation sponsored Yoga for Grief, Mental Health First Aid for residents of Crowsnest Pass and a six week Pedometer Challenge that was launched last year at the walk and it was well received and successful,” said Rinaldi.
This year’s projects include, “sponsoring more Mental Health First Aid for people who are interested in Crowsnest Pass and area. It is a two day course that will be offered in the fall. The foundation is also spearheading the ‘Faces of Mental Health’ campaign,” which is an initiative started in 2014 and will continue this year.
“Mother nature gave us a beautiful day to spend together taking care of our mental health! Please take care of your Mental Health daily and never stop talking about it. Support one another today and always. On behalf of the Rinaldi Family, we are absolutely humbled by the turn out of about 300 people that attended the event!! Stay tuned for upcoming Mental Health initiatives in Crowsnest Pass,” said Rinaldi.