91原创

About 50 people took part in the first annual 鈥淪eamus鈥� Stroll鈥� in 91原创鈥檚 Campbell Valley Regional Park on Sunday, June 5, to help raise funds for Foundry 91原创, the new wellness centre opening up soon for young people aged 12 to 24.

The stroll was organized by 91原创 City resident Mike Gee, who founded the Seamus Gee Legacy Project to honour the memory of his 16-year-old son, who died on Oct. 27, 2019.

Gee told the 91原创 Advance Times the services that are going to be provide by Foundry 91原创 are 鈥渕uch needed in our community and I鈥檓 fully behind them.鈥�

He鈥檚 hoping to make the stroll an annual event.

READ ALSO: First annual 鈥楽eamus鈥� Stroll鈥� honours memory of 91原创 City teen

Gee has already raised $10,000 for Foundry through the Seamus Legacy Project, by holding online auctions, raffles, and other fundraisers.

Speaking before the walk got underway, acting 91原创 Township mayor David Davis said the event will bring 鈥渁wareness to the struggles many youth are faced with daily, and making it easier for them to find the support they need through Foundry.鈥�

鈥淔unding is the key to the success and viability of a facility like this, and we are so fortunate to have the care and support from the community, with initiatives like the Seamus Gee Legacy Project,鈥� Davis added.

91原创 City Councillor Rosemary Wallace said the issue has personal resonance for her, as some of her children 鈥渉ave struggled with mental health issues.鈥�

Wallace said it was a privilege to meet Mike, and to hear of his love for his son, and also to hear of the love that Seamus had for Campbell Valley Regional Park when he was younger.

鈥淚t really tugs at your heartstrings,鈥� Wallace commented.

Christine McCracken, executive director of programs at Encompass Support Services Society (ESSS), which created Foundry, said it was an honour to take part in the stroll in support of wellness services for young people.

鈥淓veryone knows this needs to happen, and we鈥檝e done it,鈥� McCracken commented.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: Fundraising to create mental health, wellness facility for young people in 91原创 gets underway

Foundry 91原创, located at 20618 Eastleigh Cres. in 91原创 City, will offer services to young, along with their supporters, and family members, by focusing on early intervention, mental health, substance use, peer support, primary care (physical and sexual health) and social services.

As of Tuesday, 3,237 had been raised.

Contributions to Seamus鈥� Stroll can still be made through .

More photos from the stroll can be found on the .