Calgary was one of 16 communities across Canada that participated in the BMO Walk So Kids Can Talk on Sunday, an annual event that raises funds and awareness for critical youth mental health services through Kids Help Phone.
Event highlights
The five-kilometre walk and family-friendly event took place at Peace Park, kicking off Mental Health Week. Participants gathered to support young people struggling with mental health issues.
Fundraising impact
Winnette Sampson, vice president of community giving for Kids Help Phone, emphasized the importance of the walk as a major fundraising initiative. The event is projected to raise approximately $3.9 million across all 16 walks in Canada, including those in Calgary and Edmonton.
“What the fundraising does today is ensure that Kids Help Phone is there, so when a young person is up at 2 a.m. and needs to talk to somebody, there’s somebody on the other side of that phone call or text message that can really support them navigating their future,” Sampson said.
Services and data
The funds will be used to ensure counselors are available and to continue programs and services for young people. According to Kids Help Phone, 83 per cent of young people who contact them share something they have never told anyone else.
“We need safe spaces for our young people to be able to share what’s going on in their lives, to help them navigate those feelings, to help them to build plans so that they can talk to their loved ones, and get the support they need,” Sampson added.
In 2025, the organization saw a 43 per cent increase in suicide-related interactions among children aged 12 and under compared to the previous year.
Community support
Mayor Jeromy Farkas attended the event and praised the community’s involvement. “There’s so many great events going on, and this is one of the events that I look forward to the most,” Farkas said. He noted that while it takes several groups to bring the event together, it is worth it to ensure Calgary’s youth have critical mental health support.
“It’s an unfortunate topic for us to grapple, because there’s a lot of stigma surrounding it that a service like this is required. But it is in a community like Calgary, and we’re the beneficiary of a great community that’s stepping up to provide that support. That’s what this event is about. This is a weekend that a lot of people look forward to year-round, but we have to bear in mind that these organizations deserve our support every other day of the year too,” Farkas said.
