Margaret Hajdinjak’s son was 26 when he took his life in 2005.
In the past eight years, three of his friends have committed suicide, the latest death coming in last December 2012.
On Sunday, May 5 Hajdinjak plans to honour the memory of her son and his friends, and anyone else who lost their life at their own hands, taking part in the third annual Out of the Darkness Walk at Confederation College. “My son struggled asking for the help that he needed,” she said Monday at a pre-race launch for the event, started in 2011 by Leadership Thunder Bay. “Unfortunately the supports he needed weren’t there.”
Unlike other events, this one is solely about creating awareness and trying to remove any stigma associated with suicide, helping those who need it find the help Hajdinjak’s son wasn’t able to find. “The walk is free for families to come out and it’s not a fundraiser,” she said.
In each of the first two walks more than 300 people have participated, a number organizer Jessica Cordes would like to see again on Sunday.
Cordes said suicide is having a major impact in the lives of Northwestern Ontarians.
Twenty-four per cent of all deaths of young people between age 15 and 24 are from suicide, a number that increases exponentially in First Nations communities.
To help fight depression and provide answer to friends and family who might suspect someone is planning to do themselves harm, Cordes said help will be available at the walk. “We’re going to have mental health agencies on hand to help if you’ve lost somebody ... or even if you want to seek information,” she said.
Bereavement, depression and signs and symptoms are just three areas councillors will be able to help with on Sunday.
Participants are also invited to bring along a photo of a loved one lost and place it on their memorial wall.
Registration begins at 5 p.m. in the Shuniah building at Confederation College. No pre-registration is required.
Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 6 p.m., with the walk beginning at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, email margaret1@tbaytel.net.
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