Each year, we walk for a specific cause. Last year, we walked from Ottawa to Montreal to inspire young people to do sports; this year,we will walk for the prevention of youth suicide!Did you know that suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people? The first case being accidental death. Despite this alarming rate, suicide remains a taboo subject in our society with people are often reluctant to talk about it. This continued silence is perpetuating the taboo, and in turn, preventing victims from speaking openly about their suffering and obtaining the help they need before it is too late.

In my opinion, the prevention of youth suicide is a cause for everyone. Through the Kingston-Gatineau walk, our goal is to: – Promote discussions on suicide; – Foster increased awareness; – Encourage youth and adults to break the silence; and – Encourage sufferers to seek professional help. In the coming days and weeks, we will organize a fundraiser for the Foundation Lani.The Foundation’s mission is “to promote life by addressing suicide prevention among youth between 12 and 25 years of age.”

For more information on the Foundation Lani, I invite you to visit their website:http://www.fondationlani.ca/. Likewise, you are requested to kindly make donations through the following website: Choosing the Lani Foundation came naturally for me, having personally met Lani, years ago, while studying at the Cegep de l’Outaouais. I sincerely hope that every step taken and every dollar raised during this event will help shed light on this important cause.The Kingston-Gatineau walking journey will span over the course of four days.

You can choose to take a few steps, a few kilometers or carry on for the full four days! To join the suicide prevention march or for more information regarding the event, do not hesitate to contact me at: info@marcheenavant.com. You can also follow activities on the Facebook page: or this website. For those who cannot join the walk, donations to the Foundation Lani will be greatly appreciated.