A Mount Forest resident plans to stickhandle a ball right across the country to support people with mental illness, addictions, or sexual abuse trauma.
Paulie O'Byrne has played competitive hockey for 14 years, and after graduating from Lambton College, landed a coaching opportunity in Delhi, Ontario.
However, clinical depression, anxiety, drug addiction, suicide attempts and post traumatic stress derailed his life plan.
Now he's recovering, and back on the ice coaching Junior B in Calgary, and sharing his story with people across Canada.
On May 1, he will leave Victoria BC, stickhandle a ball 9,600 km to St. John's, Newfoundland.
Funds raised go to the not-for-profit organization 1in5.
It is a dedicated to the one in five Canadians affected by addiction, mental illness, trauma, and victimization.
You can make a donation here.