A first responder in Foothills County is organizing a virtual walk to raise funds for PTSD in memory of her brother-in-law.
“I'm a first responder and being in the situation of having mental health, it's like you don't realize how broad it is until you start talking about it,” said Danielle Morrison. “It's a trickle-down effect, everybody starts talking about it and you realize how many people there actually are who are suffering in silence.
"All it takes is just talking about it, to raise that awareness.”
Morrison, who lives in the Aldersyde area, is a co-founder of the BeMorr Society, which is hosting its first Wandering Warriors hike on April 24. The society became incorporated Jan. 1 and was started in memory of Morrison’s brother-in-law, Brook Morrison, who died from suicide in September 2020.
Brook experienced PTSD, anxiety and depression after his father died by suicide in 2013, Danielle said.
“It's been really beneficial for us as a family to be able to put such a tragic thing that we've gone through and have the society that we're able to kind of focus our energy and know that we're helping people,” Danielle said.
“For Bell Let's Talk Day, I did an interview with CTV Vancouver and that evening, we had someone reaching out asking for assistance. They were connected with a counsellor the next day. It was one of those moments that was like, Oh, this is what we need to do.’”
The BeMorr Society started in Abbotsford, B.C. and provides assistance to anyone experiencing mental health issues across Canada.
Danielle said the plans are to have a hub in every province in the next five years.
“Our goal is to provide financing for those who can't afford mental health counselling,” said Morrison, “We will also be providing peer support groups in the future.”
Those seeking counselling can experience wait times of up to eight months, said Morrison. The society aims to streamline the process and make help available for those who may be otherwise unable to access it.
Though originally based in Abbotsford, B.C. assistance through the BeMorr Society is available Canada wide through virtual counselling, and plans to have a hub in every province in the next five years.
“Our goal is to provide financing for those who can't afford mental health counselling,” said Morrison, “We will also be providing peer support groups in the future.”
The first Wandering Warrior hike is entirely virtual, as to ensure the safety of participants, who are asked pick their favourite walking or hiking trail to traverse as they fundraise at any time on April 24.
Registration is open online for both individuals and teams for the April hike, as well as a second hike that will be taking place on July 10th this year. Participants can register for either or both hikes at this time.
“We actually do have fundraising incentives, so if they get to certain a value amount, they can actually win prizes,” said Morrison. “We also have a silent auction that will be taking place. The items will go up for bidding two weeks before, and close the day following, and all of the proceeds go to BeMorr society.”
The hike is being held in honour of Brook, who Morrison said loved hiking and had once walked the Pacific Crest Trail.
“On this day, go for a hike. Remember Brook, take photos,” said Morrison.
The BeMorr Society is funded exclusively through community donation and the sale of merchandise, said Morrison, who is grateful for everyone who has donated or helped with their cause, and expects to achieve full charitable status by the end of 2021.
For information about the Wandering Warrior Hike click here.
