FOCUS - MAY 2017 43 Did you know that just 50% of Canadians said they would tell friends or co-workers that they have a fam- ily member with a mental illness, compared to 72% who would discuss a diagnosis of cancer? More than a third of Canadians are affected by a mental health disorder, either directly or indirectly. By the time Ca- nadians reach 40 years of age, 1 in 2 have dealt with or are dealing with, a mental illness. Mental illness is a leading cause of disability. There is a way that you can help in your own community! For over 11 years, Community Care Durham (CCD) has held the Walk for Mental Health Awareness. The walk raises funds and awareness about mental health, and helps to dispel the stigma that surrounds mental health disorders. In past years, the walk has taken place at Heyden- shore Park in Whitby. This year, in addition to the walk in Whitby, the Walk for Mental Health Aware- ness will also take place at Palmer Park in Port Perry! The 12th Annual Walk for Mental Health Aware- ness happens on Saturday, June 10, 9 a.m. to noon. Participants can walk or run 1, 2 or 5 km. along the scenic Lake Scugog waterfront trail and then return to Palmer Park for a free barbeque. Among the great prizes is an overnight stay at the beautiful Nestleton Waters Inn. The first 200 registrants receive a free walk t-shirt and gift bag. There are lots of fun activities for the whole family, and dogs are welcome too! The walk path starts at Palmer Park, winding around the waterfront trail east of Canterbury Common, and their residents are helping out as volunteers. There will be refreshment stations along the route. 2017 marks the 40th Anniversary of Community Care Durham. CCD is a multi-service, registered charitable organization providing community support services to more than 12,000 Durham Re- gion adults and their car- egivers who have needs related to aging, physical and/or mental health. Services include COPE Mental Health, Meals on Wheels, Foot Care Clinics, Transportation, Lunch- eon Out, Home Help & was an NHL hockey player for 15 years, and a sportscaster at City TV in Toronto for 25 years. From his teenage years well into his 40’s, he battled addiction to alcohol and drugs. Jim used to believe it was the pressure to perform consistently at an expert level that led him to seek an escape. Now he knows that he had lost the power to choose. Clean and sober for 25 years, McKenny has discovered that the power is in the process of recovery. At the Canadian Centre for Addictions, Jim has found the perfect place to share his experience, strength and hope with others in his role as a 12 Step Study Counsellor.” “At first it was just a mild thing, then it turned into a monster. Haven’t found a cure yet but I’ve met many with the same challenge. Nice to know that I’m not alone!” JIMMCKENNY ForMentalHealthAwarenessOnJune10! WALK VERY EXCITING! Join Jim McKenny, our Master of Ceremonies this year for our . . . . .Please turn to page 44 Community Care Durham invites everyone to join the walk on Saturday June 10 and bring your dog along too!