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In 2021 we launched the Canadian, non-profit foundation, 500 Miles for Mental Health.
Our PURPOSE is to remind people of all ages that mental health can be improved through physical activity. We believe that creating this awareness in children helps them now and puts tools into their toolkit as they grow.
Our PURPOSE is to remind people of all ages that mental health can be improved through physical activity. We believe that creating this awareness in children helps them now and puts tools into their toolkit as they grow.
Why we walk.
500 Miles for Mental Health was launched in 2021 to honor Jim Colpitts. Jim was a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was committed to helping and supporting those around him. He did this with his whole heart every day and was tireless giving love and kindness to friends and strangers. Jim was happiest when outside skiing, hiking, sailing, riding his motorcycle or walking in the fresh air with those he loved.
Jim was a strong advocate of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education opportunities for children early in life, believing strongly that engineers and scientists build our world. He acknowledged that there is a place for the arts in making that world beautiful, but first, it had to be built.
Jim was a much-loved man who died because of unacknowledged/untreated mental illness. We honor Jim through this foundation. It reminds us that physical health and mental health are closely connected and important for everyone.
We walk because we don't want to lose anymore people we love.
Meet our Board, click the image to learn more about the vast experience we have on our team!
Trina Colpitts
Chairperson
I am first a mom and a grandma. I care deeply that we equip children to manage their own mental health in many ways, one of them being physical activity. I spent more than 25 years as a change leader in the Oil & Gas industry and I hope to use those skills to lead change through this foundation. I know that physical and mental health are tightly connected. My best days are spent skiing, hiking or chasing grandkids.
Melissa Flieger
Director, Education & Events
I am a working mother of 4 spunky kids. We are a busy family. It is important to us that our kids see the value in physical activity, beyond just competition. I teach high school English and Social Studies, and have seen firsthand how this generation struggles with mental health, daily. Mental wellness and physical activity are important to me. When I am struggling I know that a run, yoga or playing with my kids gives me a boost. I am honoured to be part of this cause.
Lisa Patton
Secretary/Treasurer
I am "Mom" to 2 young adult sons and the Director of the public Library in Brooks, Alberta. Mental health is an issue close to my heart and I'm passionate about volunteerism. I believe that when you care about something, you should show up for it with an investment of your time and effort. I'm eager to bring my best to sustain this worthwhile cause.
Peter Jessamine
Director, Foundation Development
I am a retired Medical Microbiologist and Infectious Disease physician, who enjoys skiing in the winter and golf in the summer. I am a childhood friend of Jim Colpitts, and miss his smile, good nature, character, sense of humour and caring for others. I am joining the board as mental health is important to us all. Supporting physical and mental well being, and promoting resilience are essential for all of us. The COVID pandemic has highlighted the impact of social isolation and how important our supports are to all of us. We are all susceptible to thoughts of desperation and .
Marlene Hofmann
Program Coordinator
I was born, raised and remain in southern Alberta my entire life. I farmed with my husband for five decades and still work and live on the family farm. I am mother to six children which has blessed me with either sports, a concert, or a rodeo almost daily! I am very grateful for the 500 Miles for Mental Health Foundation, for the knowledge and support that it avails to those that are seeking it. I am happy to volunteer and help develop the program.
Rob Dakers
Vice Chairperson
I am a retired Oil & Gas Executive having spent over 40 years with Shell in various technical, commercial and governance roles. I spent the last 25 years of my career in the natural gas and LNG business for Shell in Europe, Middle East and finally returning to Canada as VP Commercial on Shell’s LNG Canada Project. I retired in 2023. I was a good friend to Jim Colpitts and look forward to my volunteer work with the 500 Miles foundation.
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