Throughout the summer teams and individuals took on a personal challenge at a time and place that suited them, while raising funds for Coast Mental Health Foundation.

A positive impact for participants

For many participants, having a personal goal in the midst of so much global uncertainty had a positive effect on their own mental health, too. Team leader, participant and sponsor Angie Buonassisi from 8 West Clinic commented:

“It has been so uplifting to have this challenge to work towards! We’re having the best time planning and training together. I have experienced a big lift in my spirits just by having this challenge to look forward to. I suffered with anxiety during the Covid lockdown, and having friends to ride with again has been incredible for my mental health.”

Personal goal-setting 

A unique selling point for this event is that it empowers each individual to take on their own personal challenge. Janet Majendie, founder and chair of the event commented:

“It’s been fantastic to see such a range of sports and challenges; from epic endurance cycles, to laps of Stanley Park. We even had a participant who conquered their fear of horses by challenging themselves to get back on after years. I’m so inspired by each and every individual that chose to take part and truly grateful for their support of such an important cause.”

Some examples of the incredible Courage 2 Go Further challenges in 2021 included:

  • Several cycling teams including Clowns & Crowns and Velogrit, cycled from Vancouver to Whistler, taking in all the mountains along the way. Lotus Cycling Club took on the Triple Crown (Cypress, Grouse and Seymour) while WOWride Cycling cycled a combination of Triple, Double and Single Crowns.
  • Coast Mental Health and Coast Mental Health Foundation’s Board Directors banded together to meet a collective goal of a million steps.
  • Past Courage To Come Back recipient and brain injury survivor Michael Coss committed to 6 days a week for a physical rehab program. He also organised a zoom call of brain injury survivors every 2 months to create community, build friendships and stay in touch
  • Sponsor 8 West Clinic’s team collectively climbed the equivalent of Everest on Vancouver’s Grouse Grind.
  • A team of Coast Mental Health employees and their close ones got together in a Covid-safe way for a weekend bike ride once a month during the summer.

To see more challenges visit: courage2gofurther.ca

Incredible results 

A number of Olympians and professional athletes joined the Courage 2 Go Further team as Courage Champions including Paralympic cyclist Joanie Caron, Elite Runner Rachel Cliff and Olympic Runner Chris Winter.

Throughout the summer The Courage 2 Go Further received widespread media coverage and social media engagement, raising further awareness for the need for mental health supports.
This event would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors and media partners, (8 West Clinic, SunLife, Clark Wilson, T.Rowe Price, News 1130, Global BC and Cold Water Communications) and our wonderful volunteer committee including Janet Majendie, Charleen Turner and Laura Edwards.

Thank you to all those that took part and made this incredible community event possible, and stay tuned for next year’s event!

Courage 2 Go further participant