Celebrating Two Years of Sunday Steps 4 Mental Health

as a small idea with a goal of reducing the stigma around young people’s mental health struggles has grown beyond what we ever imagined. Looking back, I can’t help but feel a mix of pride and gratitude for everything we’ve accomplished together as a community. Shoutout to Kiana!

We’ve created a space where speaking up feels safe, even when it’s hard. Progress wasn’t guaranteed, and it still isn’t, but showing up matters the most. Each small step has built up faster than expected, and now, more young people feel seen, heard, and less alone. Looking back, it genuinely feels surreal, the path we’ve walked has been shaped by people giving their time and energy freely and our progress is fully due to our teamwork and Kiana keeping us on our toes. Today, we have 15 chapters across Ontario, with over 100 volunteers from all corners of the world, each of us united by a shared purpose. I'll never forget that very first gathering! It was a simple and calming walk, meant to shed light on Mental Health. There were only a few of us, but each person brought so much energy and made so many new friends creating the most wholesome community.

What started as simple walks forward became something much bigger than we could have imagined. Back then, it was hard to picture that humble beginning growing into what we have now, now, two years later sunday Steps isn’t just about walks anymore. We’ve expanded into large-scale events and fundraisers, including collaborations with RBC. Bracelet-making events became a way to give back, with proceeds supporting families at Michael Garron Hospital. And who could forget the Boo to Bullying Pumpkin Fest? We raised over $7,000 so far, with help from many events, all while bringing the community together. That weekend alone saw over 200 volunteers from 17 countries, all joining in through virtual connections. Watching so many people come together like that made everything feel real and tangible. But if I had to pick one project that stands out the most, it would be the “Art from the Heart” initiative. Which featured a 50-page craft book, which was distributed to care centers across the country. Partnering with Lumensus Mental Health on this project turned simple crafts into a meaningful act of support. To see over 160,000 people engaging with our message on social media made it clear that our teamwork made an impact.

What matters most to me, though, is how much more than money we’ve raised. It’s the stories we’ve shared and the personal moments that have made the biggest impact. Students are taking charge, starting new groups, and leading the way for future generations to follow through our chapters. As I think about what’s next, excitement fills me. Sunday Steps is growing, but one thing will never change: our commitment to building a compassionate community where mental health is supported, understood, and talked about openly. There’s an opportunity for everyone to get involved, whether you’re guiding a local chapter or joining us in creating art. Every task helps someone feel seen and supported, whether it’s organizing a donation drive or helping to plan an event. It’s amazing how quickly small actions add up when we all work together. A shared effort like this is more powerful than anything we could do alone.

So here’s to the next chapter of Sunday Steps 4 Mental Health. Thanks to the hard work of every volunteer and the dedication behind the scenes, we are making a difference for youth across the world. As we move forward, we’ll continue to challenge old views, show up for one another, and help silence the stigma surrounding mental health all while making friends along the way.