By Erin Knutson

The Push-Up Challenge fundraiser, sponsored by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), ignited a fitness revolution in February to impact mental health and mental illness support, awareness, and recovery for those with psychiatric disorders.

It originated as a fitness event to promote mental health for Canadians, society, and the individuals and families of those who battle severe mental illness.

“CMHA, with the help of over 49,000 Canadians, raised over $2.4 million for mental health in Canada in 2024,” said the CMHA Kootenays Branch, noting an estimated 2000 deaths by suicide every day globally.

The Challenge encourages individuals to participate by completing 2000 push-ups throughout the event (Feb 10-28). Funds raised by the event will support community programs, education, workshops, outreach, and initiatives provided by CMHA and CMHA Kootenays.

So far, participants have raised over $3 million for the CMHA.

Chad Murray (pictured), a fitness enthusiast and the CMHA Kootenays Chief Financial Officer wants everyone to know that the Challenge welcomes all levels and types of activity. Participation is valued and encouraged whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey.

“You can do sit-ups, squats, or any alternative exercise to be a participant in,” he said.

Murray emphasized the importance of increasing awareness about mental health in the community.

“The monies raised will go toward virtual workshops for the East and West Kootenay to raise awareness around mental health and to help reduce stigma in settings like the workplace,” said Murray.

CMHA Kootenays Director of Public Education and Crisis Services, Natalie Hake, spoke about reducing stigma to encourage individuals to seek help.

“All funds raised by this event will go toward creating awareness for mental health and programming in the community that will help people become more comfortable accessing resources,” she said.

Knowledge is power, and, Hake affirms, opening a dialogue about these complex subjects demystifies the fear surrounding mental illness through education, helping to open the pathways to hope and healing.

Hake’s role at the CMHA Kootenays is to do just that. She spends countless hours on the road delivering workshops across the Kootenays and is starting to positively impact the reception and openness to mental health in the workplace, on the job, at school, and at home.

Funds from the Push-Up Challenge will help solidify her department and ensure that the public’s knowledge of mental health and mental health disorders continues to grow.

“We appreciate our communities’ support in the Push-Up Challenge. All resources from the event will go back to the community to provide free virtual workshops to promote resiliency in over 26 communities in the Kootenays.

“We want to thank all of our supporters and everyone who has participated in the Challenge this year,” said Hake.

For more information on the Push-Up Challenge, please visit The Push-Up Challenge : Home

If you are in crisis or need to talk, call:

1. 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
2. 1-888-353-CARE (2273) for the Crisis Line
3. 310-6789 for the Mental Health Crisis Line
4. 1-800 Suicide (1-800-784-2433) if you would like information, resources, or support during a suicide-related crisis for suicide-specific concerns.

Erin Knutson photo

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