Hundreds of people gathered this weekend to walk in solidarity, share stories of loss and hope, and raise awareness for suicide prevention, turning grief into action one step at a time.
The Canadian Mental Health Association and the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit held the annual Suicide Awareness Walk at St. Clair College on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025.
St. Clair College President Michael Silvaggi and student government leaders stand with Nicole Sbrocca of the CHMA to present a cheque for $15,000 at the Suicide Awareness Walk on Sept. 7, 2025. (Rich Garton/St. Clair College)
"Thank you for being leaders and thank you for being tremendous partners in this community and all you do," said Nicole Sbrocca, the CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor Essex County Branch. "Everyone's presence here today certainly speaks volumes. It's an act of remembrance, of solidarity and of hope."
About 500 people packed into the St. Clair College SportsPlex to hear from guest speakers and community members, before embarking on a two or five-kilometre walk around campus.
"We gather here today for a number of important reasons: In memory for those we've lost. We gather in compassion and support for those that are still struggling. We gather to continue to break down the stigma that all too often surrounds mental illness and suicide," said Sbrocca. "And we gather as a community committed to building a suicide-safer Windsor-Essex. By demonstration of each of you today, it's a powerful symbol of hope, and a reminder that no one has to walk this journey alone."
St. Clair College President Michael Silvaggi welcomed the crowd, noting the College is honoured and privileged to host this essential event of remembrance and awareness.
"This community, its families, its neighbours, its schools, its workplaces, its churches, its healthcare agencies - we are all available with open arms and open hearts to offer help and healing," said President Silvaggi. "I'm confident that the message will spread much more widely than this."
"But it's fair to say that even if just one distressed person in this community learns of this event and is encouraged to seek help, our exercise today will be well worth the energy we've spent," Silvaggi said.
At the conclusion of the speeches, St. Clair College, its alumni association, The Student Representative Council (SRC) and Saints Student Athletic Association (SSAA) provided a cheque to the Canadian Mental Health Association for $15,000, money that will help support local programming in Windsor-Essex.
Pratham Singh Benipal, the President of the SRC, said he and his staff are helping students struggling with mental health issues now more than ever, adding specialized suicide awareness response training has proven invaluable.
"In recent years members of the SRC have been the first point of contact for students in crisis," Benipal said. "Because of their training, they recognized the warning signs, and in several cases, they were able to ensure students received immediate professional care."
"When we see the impact this crisis is having on our generation, it becomes clear that it is not only our choice to step forward, it is our responsibility. And that is exactly why we are here today," he said. "Together, we're sending a message that no one has to face their struggles alone."
Caesars Windsor Cares was the main sponsor of the event.
"I'm so impressed and touched to see how many people are here today," said Susanne Tomkins, Manager of PR and Communications at Caesars Windsor.
"Working with CMHA, we know that resources will be available for those who are struggling or those who feel lost."
"I want to thank everyone who is here today to show our community that we care for one another, and we will be here for them."
