Heather Latter
With more than 55 participants, the “Out of the Darkness Memorial Walk,” which aimed to raise awareness for depression and suicide, was hailed as a success.
“It went really, really well,” stressed Jaymee Fiset, 15, who organized the event held Saturday afternoon. “I’m really happy with the turnout.”
With the thought that the walk might see mostly friends and family taking part, Fiset was pleased to see many members of the community join in that had no connection to her.
“It was really great to see every who came out,” she stressed.
Fiset indicated she decided to organize the walk because she feels depression and suicide are not talked about enough.
“I just thought this was something that would benefit our community,” she said.
“It hasn’t been brought to the forefront,” she continued. “People don’t like to talk about it. They are scared to talk about it.
“So I thought this walk would be something good to do so people realize it is okay to talk about it and it’s not something you should be scared of.”
She added that she has some friends that she thought could use some motivation, to know they are not alone.
The walk started at Pharmasave, with the participants walking down Scott Street to Victoria Avenue and then along the waterfront to the Front Street Park.
“I think it definitely did what we set out to do,” Fiset noted, citing it brought awareness to the issues.
“People were honking as they drove by and people came out of stores to see what was going on,” she added.
When they arrived at the park, signs were posted on the trees and there was a memorial board for people to share their stories.
A BBQ was also held, with each participant receiving a free hot dog and drink.
“The weather was perfect,” Fiset added, referring to the sunny afternoon.
“I think the people who have succumbed gave us this sunshine,” echoed Fiset’s mother, Angela.
She indicated she is very proud of what her daughter achieved by organizing the walk.
“She did such a good job,” she enthused, citing Fiset has plans to make the “Out of the Darkness Memorial Walk” an annual event.
Fiset said for next year she will do a bit more planning for the event in advance, have more prizes, and more donations.
They held a small penny table on Saturday and with the money from that, Fiset and her mom are hoping to run a support group in the fall for teens (and their parents) and may be struggling with depression or suicide.
“We did one last year with a group of girls,” Angela Fiset noted. “But we want to include the boys this time and open it up to everyone.”
She indicated the group would run for 12 weeks and allow people to come together to talk, eat, do crafts, and just be in good company.
“It just lets people know that they are not alone—that everyone has issues,” she voiced.
Details for the support group are still in the works, but anyone who would be interested in taking part can e-mail Jaymee Fiset at jaymee.fiset@gmail.com
