In year one of the 500 Miles for Mental Health challenge nearly 100 walkers logged literally thousands of miles. In fact, we walked from Calgary, Alberta to the North Pole and back!

2022 Grant Winners

Seaquam Robotics Club (Surrey, BC) is participated in a signature robotics event in Alberta where they connected with robotics students from Canada & the US. They qualified for the world competition! Watch a video about the competition!

Rolling Hills School (Rolling Hills, Alberta) increased awareness around dealing with trauma through their film "Running Scared" about a young woman dealing with PTSD.  The film demonstrated the many ways to address mental health like physical activity, trusted adults and supportive friends. 

Holy Spirit School (Ottawa, Ontario) launched the The Book Collectors Club which distributed books to grades 3-5 students. These books try to start age-appropriate conversations about mental health in children. Topics include anxiety, ADHD, racism, expressing thoughts & feelings and more.

Maine Memorial Elementary School (Maine, New York) hosted the Keeping Kids Safe, Health and Wellness campaign.  This provided opportunities for students to learn about online safety, digital citizenship & how to protect themselves while using technology.

We walked, cycled, paddled, golfed, jogged, and generally moved our bodies more than 12,000 miles. That's like walking from the South Pole to the North Pole!

2023 Grant Winners

Rolling Hills School (Rolling Hills, Alberta)

Through a variety of outdoor games and activities, the school hopes to improve mental health. They will also challenge another school to participate so they can nominate them for a grant next year.

Brooks Junior High School (Brooks, Alberta) The school will purchase jerseys and soccer equipment to launch a soccer team. Specifically the soccer club hopes to promote mental health in children from recent immigrant families, and others, so more children can participate in the sport they love.

Maine Memorial Elementary School (Maine, New York)
This year the school will set up a safe walking zone. They want to promote exercise through non-competitive games. This will encourage better habits and through this they expect noticeable mental health improvements.

Surrey School (Surrey, British Columbia)
The music program wants to encourage music appreciation across many genres. They will purchase equipment to encourage music appreciation  and want to view through the lens of mental health and how music can affect us.

Ottawa Catholic School Board (Ottawa, Ontario)
The school will purchase Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) toys and activities. They will promote STEM Bots/Club that support ongoing growth and help with mental health challenges.

2024 Grant Winners

Rolling Hills School (Rolling Hills, Alberta)

Strengthening Connections: 500 Miles for Mental Health Supports Junior High Wellness in Rural Communities

Thanks to the generous support of a grant from 500 Miles for Mental Health, Rolling Hills School recently hosted a vital and engaging event dedicated to the mental health and wellness of junior high students. Recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities within our close-knit rural communities, this initiative aimed to foster stronger bonds not only among Rolling Hills students but also with their peers from neighboring schools, Tilley and Alcoma.

The day began with an inspiring message from Trina Colpitts, the visionary founder of 500 Miles for Mental Health. Trina eloquently shared her vision of empowering students to actively build strategies that support their own mental well-being. Her message resonated deeply, emphasizing the fundamental importance of connection with others, the benefits of physical activity, and the empowering knowledge of what lies within one's own control – all essential tools for maintaining robust mental and emotional health. It was a powerful and uplifting start to a day intentionally focused on mental health awareness and proactive strategies.

Following Trina’s impactful words, the dedicated Mental Health Capacity Building Team from Rolling Hills School, Tia and Emma, expertly guided students through a series of engaging ice-breaking games. These thoughtfully designed activities provided a safe and fun environment for students from all three schools to connect with one another. By encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones and participate in light-hearted fun, Tia and Emma facilitated the formation of new friendships and a sense of shared experience.

After the initial icebreakers, students had the exciting opportunity to choose from a diverse range of breakout sessions tailored to various personal interests. The options included the fast-paced fun of pickleball, the practical life skills of cooking, the expressive outlet of art, and the dynamic engagement of wrestling. This variety ensured that whether students were looking to get active and release energy or preferred a more relaxed and creative pursuit, there was an engaging option for everyone. These sessions thoughtfully balanced physical activity and creative relaxation, providing students with tangible ways to nurture both their minds and bodies.

At lunchtime, a delicious and well-received Pizza Hut meal provided a much-needed break and a relaxed atmosphere for students to chat, connect, and build camaraderie with their peers from Tilley and Alcoma. The shared meal fostered a sense of community and allowed for informal interactions that further strengthened the connections formed earlier in the day.

The afternoon was filled with even more profound inspiration as the students were fortunate to hear from two truly incredible speakers who shared their powerful stories of resilience and triumph over adversity.

Ryan Straschnitzki, a resilient survivor of the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash, was the first to share his personal journey. Ryan spoke with remarkable candor about facing life-altering challenges and the unwavering determination that continues to drive him forward. His deeply moving story highlighted the importance of maintaining a growth mindset and the profound power of resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship. Ryan’s journey extends beyond overcoming physical limitations as he passionately strives to represent Canada in wheelchair basketball at the Paralympics. His story captivated the students, who were visibly in awe of his strength, determination, and remarkable accomplishments.

Next, Jenn Oakes, a decorated three-time Paralympic sitting volleyball athlete, shared her own inspiring story of perseverance. Jenn’s life took an unexpected and challenging turn when she tragically lost her leg in a boating accident just before her Grade 12 year. Through unwavering resilience, a deep-seated passion for sport, and an unwavering positive mindset, Jenn has achieved remarkable success on the world stage, including proudly earning a bronze medal for Canada at the Paris Games. Her story of overcoming significant adversity and achieving her dreams was nothing short of incredible, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. Both Ryan and Jenn’s powerful narratives of perseverance and unwavering determination resonated deeply with the students, leaving them with a profound understanding of the human capacity for resilience.

A Day Well Spent

Overall, the Junior High Mental Health and Wellness event was an undeniable success. Students departed Rolling Hills School with a renewed sense of connection to their peers, a boost in motivation, and a wellspring of inspiration from the speakers. The practical mental health strategies, the engaging physical activities, and the powerful stories of resilience shared throughout the day will undoubtedly serve as valuable tools for these young individuals as they navigate their own unique personal journeys.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and passion to make this event such a meaningful and impactful experience for our students. We eagerly look forward to continuing to collaborate and create opportunities for our students to connect, grow, and provide vital support for one another within our rural community. Principal, Mike Flieger