St. Albert is a special place.
I was once again reminded of this simple truth as I looked around and felt the support and love that emanated from the crowd gathered at Lions Park this past Friday evening. I have faith that this is so; if proof is needed, it surrounds us.
The First Annual Walk for Caelin Porter was a huge success. Raising awareness for mental health was a huge success. Being a part of something much bigger than our individual selves … that was also a success.
Bravo to MacKenzie Dechaine and Kiera Pajunen for organizing the walk. Your compassion, empathy and passion have made a long-lasting impact in honouring Caelin and in talking about depression, anxiety and mental health. The donations from the walk, including the prizes from Twisted Wood and Earls, will be used to continue to connect people, create opportunities for open communication, support and healing. Please take the time to reflect on the difference you have made. I can only imagine that I’m not the only one who wishes to say: Thank you for the opportunity to show my support to the Porter family, to honour Caelin, and to be a part of making mental health awareness a priority.
Thank you, Josh, for sharing your story. You are a brave man who makes a significant difference with your words and your presence.
BAM’s Ben Huising and members were a visible force of mental health education and overall support along the walk from Lions Park to St. Albert Center and back. Thank you for your commitment to building assets: your efforts are not only a benefit for adolescents, of course, but to your younger and older community members as well.
It was a special treat to be among past students and their families, past and present colleagues, friends and family as we all walked the familiar and beautiful trails along the “Mighty Sturg.” There is a strong and positive connection that exists among our community. The energy and love that was with us on Friday, thanks to Caelin, live within all of us. What a gift.
In living in our community, I live in supportive comfort, hope, excitement and gratitude.
Meaghan Parent, St. Albert
