RISING TOGETHER FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Chi-Miigwech for all those who stood behind me, supported me on this journey and donated to such a meaningful cause.

@mymanitoulin, 2021 participant

Do more that makes you happy! Do more that makes you feel better! Do more that lights that fire inside you! This hug is everything to me. I love hugs. They light me up. They fill my well! Go on, hug some more today!

@binudhindsa, 2021 participant

There is nothing better than rising each morning with the sun feeling recharged and refreshed, knowing anything is possible.

@craig.halket, 2021 participant

Day one! It's early! Have you heard about the Sunrise Challenge? I'll be rising with the sun this week to raise money and hope for people living with mental illness.

@rsquared74, 2021 participant

This morning the sunrise was beautiful. I had a few moments to myself to take it all in. I think listening to all the birds singing is my favourite part!

@simplysusylicious, 2021 participant

Day 6 part deux

@gilestomkins, 2021 participant

We loved getting up with the sun for 7 days in Toronto and Gstaad! We did not get up with the sunrise since the challenge ended and are missing the positive impact those quiet moments in the morning have on our minds. We might return to that positive pattern and for sure we are always going to speak up about mental illness and how important it is to address it.

@powerofprive, 2021 participant

Waking up every day, even just for a week, was an incredible challenge but it was all worth it in the end.

@sennyjeo, 2021 participant

Being an introvert, I enjoy my alone time. However, being alone also makes me crave connection. I value the connections I've made with so many people I've met (and have still yet to meet). Connections I would have never thought Id have 5 years ago. I've opened up quite alot in the past 5 years - something that wasn't always easy for me.

@thelandofdustin, 2021 participant

Something that I learned this week is how grounding it is to wake up with the sunrise. I am so thankful we did because I now have another tool to help with those days where I feel "off". Let's continue to push our agenda. Mental health IS health.

@alifieder, 2021 participant

Tomorrow is the last day of the challenge, but I expect this experience will cast a long shadow forward into my future. I'm grateful for that.

@dana_mccauley, 2021 participant

Family and Friends! "What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation" -Glenn Close

@vanessarstephan, 2021 participant

I have been SUPER fortunate over my years and my personal stuggles to have the absolute BEST support system. While I've always had support, I have not always taken it. The stigma around mental health and illness (while improving) is still here and poses a serious block for those in need of help, empathy, or simply an ear or shoulder.

@holisticallyliv, 2021 participant

Morning is a magical time, during and beyond any 1 week fundraising challenge!

@sunriseoverdtk, 2021 participant