A golf outing supporting the 2022 CanAm Police-Fire Games will support a cause close to first responders.
The Canadian Mental Health Association of Windsor-Essex County has been named the charity partner for this year's Can-Am Golf Series tournament, to benefit the Games taking place in Windsor three years from now. The announcement was made Tuesday at Roseland Golf and Curling Club, the venue for the golf tournament which takes place on June 17.
Increasing awareness of mental health issues surrounding firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and others in uniform is at the heart of the partnership, according to Kim Willis, the communications and mental health promotion director for the local CMHA.
"We're doing a lot of work with first responders currently and this just gives an additional platform to showcase the importance of supporting the mental health and wellness of our first responders," said Willis.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are some of the issues that first responders face on the job. Windsor Fire Chief Stephen Laforet says firefighters have become more receptive to speaking out about mental problems that arise, and partnerships such as the one they already have with the CMHA make it easier to deliver resources to those affected.
"Everyone reacts differently, and we don't know how each individual is going to react," said Laforet. "So what we want to do as an organization, and as a group regionally, is to provide some training opportunities for our staff."
The Police-Fire Games is a biennial, multi-sport competition that has been hosted by cities across North America. It includes six days of competitive events, ranging from traditional to participant – specific sports.
The golf tournament, the first of four annually leading up to the Games, is one of several events during June in which the CMHA is involved. Also scheduled is a Mental Health Community Fun Day on June 8 at the Forest Glade Optimist Club and a talk given by Detroit Red Wings TV play-by-play announcer Ken Daniels on addiction. The latter will be held June 20 at Roseland. Complete information on these and other events is available on the official CMHA website.
Registration information for the golf outing itself can be found at the official City of Windsor website.