Racing Awareness for Mental Health

Date:               Friday, August 24, 2018
Location:        Canoe & Paddle, 18 Bridge St., Lakefield
Time:               5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) is pleased to invite you to Racing Awareness for Mental Health this Friday (Aug. 24), hosted by Canoe & Paddle.

Organized by Jake Exton and his friends from Coupe Nissan Micra Cup, the fundraiser will feature Jake’s car on display, a silent auction and live musical entertainment by Avery Florence. Guests will be treated to complimentary appetizers courtesy of Lloyds Laboratories Inc., as well as $5-tall cans from Moosehead Breweries, with all proceeds being donated to CMHA HKPR.

Jake will also be raising awareness and funds throughout the weekend races at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. He will have a mobile calming unit and volunteer from TFH Special Needs Toys with sensory items for individuals with special needs, as well as a display from CMHA HKPR in his pit space.

“I have battled with depression and anxiety for a number of years, and know how powerless people can feel over their emotions. I want to use my platform to remind people that the way you feel is not your fault, and you should never be embarrassed for it,” says Jake.

“It is stronger to admit when you are suffering than to hold it in and I would like to remind you to lean on your friends and family, as well as amazing organizations such as CMHA for support when you are struggling. Even one conversation or small action can make a huge difference to your situation – remind yourself of the positives in your life and choose love over fear!”

Canoe & Paddle will also be donating five per cent of all revenues from the race weekend to CMHA HKPR.

“We are so grateful for the support of Jake, his friends at Coupe Nissan Micra Cup and Canoe & Paddle for their dedication to mental health and generosity towards CMHA HKPR,” says Jack Veitch, Manager of Community Engagement and Education for CMHA HKPR.

“One of the most effective ways to reduce stigma is by people with lived experience sharing their stories of recovery and wellness. Thank you to Jake for doing just that.”

Please note, any alcohol being sold during the event is not being sold by CMHA HKPR, rather by Canoe & Paddle.

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If you have any questions, please contact Jack Veitch, Manager of Community Engagement and Education at 705-748-6687 ext. 1015 jveitch@cmhahkpr.ca