Fighting the stigma; Strong Minds on the Sault waterfront (9 photos)

The second annual Strong Minds Run For Change five kilometre run/walk took place Saturday morning, starting out from the Roberta Bondar Pavilion, participants heading west along the boardwalk toward the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site and back.

Amanda Lambert, Strong Minds CEO, told SooToday “we’re having a great turnout,” prior to the start of Saturday’s event.

“The community’s getting together to help break the stigma that’s associated with mental health and addictions…all the money that’s raised through registration fees today stays local, and any organizations that deal with mental health initiatives can reach out to us if they wish.”

Participants registered as individuals or as teams, including a team of Sault Fire Services firefighters.

Last year’s inaugural run/walk had approximately 80 participants, Lambert said.

“This year’s turnout looks bigger, and that’s exciting,” said Lambert as participants registered and warmed up in preparation for the event.

Lambert said about $1,400 was raised at last year’s Strong Minds Run For Change.

“I have been seeing progress (toward removing the stigma associated with mental health issues and addictions), but I know we can definitely do better as a community,” Lambert said.