One day, 100 kms and an extraordinary cause
Two lifetime friends, Alex Laviolette and Anthony Larocque, are setting out on Sat. Jun 12 at midnight to walk 100 kms in 24 hours to raise money and awareness in support of mental health. Born, raised and currently living in Barrhaven, Alex is honoured to represent his community this weekend.
“Anthony and I have seen first hand the challenges this ongoing pandemic has had on our friends, family and ourselves,” says Alex Laviolette, City of Ottawa Client Services agent. “We felt by creating this ambitious goal and perseverance, we will inspire others to do the same.”
Anthony Larocque is a member of the Canadian Armed Forces who wants to support the normalization of mental health conversations, as well as end the stigma of vulnerability shrouded over mental illness, to ensure that his peers feel supported when in need.
Best friends since birth, this duo has travelled around the world together since their teenage years, and most of their out of the ordinary adventures required extensive hiking. As a result, they now feel that this experience on a global scale has prepared them to endure a grueling 100 km trek in order to make a difference for mental health.
The #100k1day route will start at the East Hawkesbury Airport at midnight on the 24th and conclude on the front lawn of The Royal at approx. 11 p.m. on that same day, Saturday evening.
The community is encouraged to follow Alex and Anthony and cheer them on at https://www.mapmytracks.com/upstream_world.
Donations to support #100k1day can be made at: http://support.theroyal.ca/100km-Walk-For-The-Royal
The Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health raises funds to support the best possible patient care and leading-edge research provided by the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, the Brockville Mental Health Centre, and the uOttawa Institute of Mental Health Research.
