This year’s Darcy’s Nature Walk will still be taking place despite restriction due to Covid-19.

The annual walk serves as a way to raise awareness for mental health.
The following excerpt is taken from the Darcy Nature Walk website explaining the reasons behind it:

Darcy Rinaldi (Peknik) was an active mother, wife, friend, and community member in the Crowsnest Pass. She grew up in the Crowsnest Pass and embraced a host of activities within the community; walking her dog and cross-country skiing grew to be some of her greatest passions. On December 5th, 2007, Darcy succumbed to the darkness associated with depression and took her own life. This walk is developed with her in mind, but equally important, it was created to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining positive mental health. Kelly Rinaldi was the son of Darcy & Randy Rinaldi. Kelly grew up in the Crowsnest Pass and was a ball of energy with many hobbies. On May 7th, 2013 Kelly ended up taking his life. This came as a shock to his family and everyone who knew him. As Kelly was a huge advocate for Darcy’s Nature Walk for Mental Wellness, and with that in mind, the Rinaldi family continues to host the annual nature walk event in his honor. Over the last few years, mental illnesses have received increased publicity, however there is still a heavy stigma associated with mental illnesses. Many people do not seek help when experiencing symptoms because of the shame, discrimination or unsupportive/uneducated support resources. Holding an event such as Darcy’s Nature Walk for Mental Wellness is a way of raising awareness about these illnesses and offering a venue for people to start talking about mental health issues. All of the funds raised go towards projects associated with mental health or managing illness in the Crowsnest Pass area.

Organizer Randi Rinaldi says it was important to still find a way to hold the walk this year and emphasized that it’s times like these that can be a big test to a person’s mental health.

“We feel it is important to have the walk this year because mental wellness is even more important now that the world is dealing with Covid-related outcomes. Anxiety, depression, stress, etc. are very prevalent during this time and we feel that having a day where people are encouraged to get outside, go for a walk, focus on their mental wellness and giving people a time to talk about mental health is important. Even though we will not be hosting a community event as it has looked in the past, it is still an opportunity to come together as a community to enhance wellness for individuals and families alike.

The following provides more information on how to get involved with this year’s walk:

The 13th Annual Darcy’s Nature Walk for Mental Wellness is still a go for Saturday, June 13th, but is going to look a little different this year! We are going to ‘walk together - yet apart!’

At this time, physical activity is more important than ever, to keep your mental wellness in check. We hope you can take time to enjoy nature, fulfill all your senses, and embrace a feeling of calmness.

We are encouraging everyone to go for a walk in nature on Saturday, June 13th at 10am wherever you live - walk by yourself or with your family members. If you do choose to go with others outside of your household, please keep in mind the 2-meter physical distancing guidelines for everyone’s health and safety.

Please feel free to post a picture (or mental health message) on the “Darcy's Nature Walk for Mental Wellness Virtual Gathering June 13, 2020” (new Facebook ‘event’), email your photo to cnpwalk@gmail.com or text Randi at 403-707-8574.

So get out there and have fun!

By submitting photos or messages, your name will be entered into a draw for a $100 gift card of your choice in your local community.
Donations for future mental health initiatives in Crowsnest Pass and surrounding communities are welcome but not required. If you do so wish to donate please go to: Canadahelps.org

Please include “Darcy’s Nature Walk 2020” in the message box.

We look forward to seeing your pictures, messages and smiling faces - from afar!

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