The fourth annual Battle For Mental Health hockey game takes place this Thursday, and event organizer Myrna Hutchison is excited to drop the puck.
Hutchison gave some background on the event, and what it helps battle, in memory of Steven Hutchison, her oldest son, and Wes Cameron, who were the inspirations for the Get In Touch For Hutch and Wes For Youth organizations.
"It's an opportunity for us to share some awareness around mental health, while honouring the boys, Steve and Wes, using their favourite sport to do so," she says.
Steven and Wes both took their own lives just a few short years ago, and they became the inspirations for Wes For Youth and Get In Touch For Hutch.
Myrna says it feels amazing that so many of Wes and Steven's friends come out every year to play and raise money for mental health awareness.
"It just means the world to us that we've been able to stay in touch with all these guys over the years, and they come here to honour Steve and Wes, and this very important cause," she says.
Admission is $7 for seniors and students, $10 for adults. There will be merchandise available, intermission entertainment, and an auction as well. The game starts at 7:30pm at the Mount Forest Arena on Thursday.