In the crisp air of early autumn, Thunder Bay residents laced up their running shoes for something much bigger than exercise. The “Take It In Strides” run, which wound through Marina Park this past weekend, brought together nearly 200 participants united by a cause that touches almost every family in Northwestern Ontario.
“We’re not just running—we’re starting conversations that save lives,” explained Melissa Kwandibens, one of the event organizers who lost her brother to suicide three years ago. “In communities like ours, we need to normalize talking about mental health the same way we discuss physical health.”
The annual event, now in its fifth year, has evolved from a small grassroots gathering into one of Thunder Bay’s most impactful mental health initiatives. This year’s participation jumped 30% from 2022, according to the Thunder Bay Canadian Mental Health Association.
What makes this event particularly meaningful is how it connects personal grief with community action. Along the route, runners passed through “reflection zones” where photographs and stories of local residents lost to suicide were displayed alongside resources for those struggling.
“My daughter asked me about the pictures,” said James McLeod, a father of two who participated with his family. “It opened up a conversation I might never have started otherwise. That’s the power of bringing these issues into public spaces.”
The run raised approximately $32,000 this year, with proceeds supporting the Thunder Bay Crisis Response Service, which operates a 24-hour mental health crisis line. Data from Thunder Bay Public Health shows crisis calls increased by 22% since the pandemic began, highlighting the growing need for these services in Northwestern Ontario.
City Councillor Shelby Ch’ng, who attended the event, pointed to recent municipal investments in mental health outreach. “We’ve allocated $1.8 million in this year’s budget for community-based mental health programs, but events like this remind us that healing happens through connection, not just funding.”
What distinguishes this run from similar fundraisers is its emphasis on Indigenous approaches to mental wellness. Elders from Fort William First Nation led a smudging ceremony before the start, and traditional healing practices were highlighted at information booths alongside clinical resources.
“Our communities face disproportionate mental health challenges,” noted Elder Robert Fenton. “But we also carry traditional knowledge about balance and healing that can benefit everyone. These spaces where different approaches come together—that’s where hope grows.”
The Canadian Mental Health Association reports that suicide rates in Northern Ontario remain significantly higher than provincial averages, with men between 45-64 being at particular risk. Events like “Take It In Strides” aim to reach demographics that typically avoid formal mental health services.
“My husband wouldn’t walk through the door of a counseling office,” shared Patricia Winters, whose husband died by suicide in 2021. “But he would have shown up for something like this—something active, something that doesn’t feel clinical. That’s why community approaches matter so much.”
Local business support played a crucial role in the event’s success. Seventeen Thunder Bay businesses contributed sponsorships or in-kind donations, including Fresh Air Experience, which provided equipment, and The Bean Fiend, which kept volunteers fueled with coffee throughout the morning.
“Small businesses aren’t just economic engines—we’re community builders,” explained Dave Stephenson from Fresh Air Experience. “Mental health affects our employees, our customers, everyone. Supporting these initiatives isn’t charity—it’s investing in a healthier community.”
The run concluded with a resource fair where participants could connect with various mental health services. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, and St. Joseph’s Care Group all provided information about accessing support.
“People often don’t reach out because they don’t know where to start,” said Dr. Melissa Togtema, a psychologist with St. Joseph’s Care Group. “Events like this create a non-threatening entry point to learn about resources before you’re in crisis.”
Organizers are already planning next year’s event, hoping to expand both participation and impact. They’ve announced plans to develop a year-round awareness campaign building on the run’s momentum.
“One day isn’t enough,” Kwandibens reflected as volunteers packed up banners and water stations. “But it’s a starting point that ripples outward. Every conversation sparked today could be the one that makes someone feel less alone tomorrow.”
As Thunder Bay continues to grapple with mental health challenges heightened by the pandemic, economic pressures, and long-standing social issues, grassroots initiatives like “Take It In Strides” demonstrate how community connection remains at the heart of effective mental health support.
“We take it in strides,” Kwandibens said, referencing the event’s name. “Sometimes that means walking, sometimes running, sometimes just standing still together. The important thing is we keep moving forward.”
