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Walk for Suicide Awareness supports prevention and education

May 14, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

As many suicides are not made public or, in some cases, not even acknowledged, you may be surprised to learn the real number of suicides in Ontario alone each year.

suicide claims more than 720,000 lives each year, according to the World Health Organization. It is among the leading causes of death globally, and one of the most significant causes of mortality among young people.

The Simcoe County Suicide Awareness Council is a volunteer, grass-roots community group united around suicide awareness, prevention, and education.

The council also offers a 10-week grief peer support program for adults who have lost loved ones to suicide.

The Simcoe County Suicide Awareness Council will be hosting its 14th annual Walk of Hope and Life Promotion in Barrie on Saturday, May 23.

Registration will begin at 3 p.m., with the walk taking place between 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Starting at Meridian Place (30 Simcoe St., Barrie), the walk will proceed down to and along the waterfront.

There will be an opening ceremony prior to the walk with guest speakers, smudging, entertainment, and reflection.

The walk is taking place in remembrance of those who have been loved and lost to suicide, to raise awareness of suicide in the community, and to support those who are struggling.

People are asked to walk together because you are not alone, whether in your struggle or in your loss.

There is no fee to register as a walker, but participants are asked to either seek pledges online or bring a donation to the event.

Donations can be made online at www.Hopeequalslife.ca.

The organization is on Facebook at Simcoe County Suicide Awareness Council.

All funds raised at the walk will go directly to the Simcoe County Suicide Awareness Council to support and promote awareness through its initiatives, programs, and community events.

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