10 years and Countless
Events across Canada
Defeat Depression
Help bring much needed mental health services to Canadians.
The Defeat Depression Campaign provides hope and reduces stigma for people who are affected by depression and other mood disorders.
Across Canada, mental health organizations, community groups, caring companies and concerned volunteers are planning walks, runs, rides and other physical and social activities to raise awareness and funds for mental health initiatives.
Depression is a common illness affecting many individuals and families and strikes all socioeconomic, educational, and cultural backgrounds. Physical activity such as walking and running, along with social interaction, can have a positive effect on mental well-being, and opening the dialogue on mental illness can help educate people and break down the barrier of stigma. Funds raised at these events help community organizations provide critical supports and services.
The objectives of the Defeat Depression national campaign are to:
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Fundraise in support of mental health services
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Raise awareness, knowledge and acceptance of mental illness
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Reduce stigma and create an environment that encourages people to come forward for early intervention and treatment
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Build a mental health network and increase collaboration across communities
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Provide resources and supports for individuals living with mental illness and their families
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Grow the campaign to new communities across Canada
You Can Help!
This campaign is successful because of people just like you. It encompasses friends, families, co-workers, neighbours, and caring organizations just like yours who volunteer to organize events in their local communities
“It was amazing. We got a terrific group together to organize it. It was a learning curve having never done anything like this before. We had no idea how it would turn out and it exceeded our most optimistic expectations. We had a gorgeous day and so many people turned out. It was obvious people are yearning for this issue to get out in the open.”
Defeat Depression Organizer
Why Defeat Depression is Great >
“I cannot tell you how important the campaign is, and how privileged I felt to be hosting an event in my area. The campaign struck me very deeply, and I connected with so many people who experienced some form of mental illness, either themselves or someone in their family.”
Defeat Depression Organizer
Defeat Depression is Important >
There are many ways to get involved with this campaign, and we can support you every step of the way. Our team can provide helpful materials, expertise and guidance as you organize your fundraising event. You won't be alone.
We need local mental health organizations, schools, and community groups to host events. We need caring people who want to volunteer in their local communities to organize a walk, run or other activity. It doesn't matter where you live, whether in a small town or large city, you can help us achieve our goals. We need participants to walk run, bike ride, etc. and fundraise in support of this great cause. And, we need community businesses who want to support an event through sponsorship, promotional opportunities, and participation from their employees.​
Mood Disorders Society of Canada
Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) is a national, not for profit, consumer driven, voluntary health charity committed to ensuring that the voices of consumers, family members and caregivers are heard on issues relating to mental health and mental illness; and in particular with regard to depression, bipolar illness and other associated mood disorders.
MDSC was formally launched and incorporated in 2001 with the overall objective to provide people with mood disorders with a strong, cohesive voice at the national level to improve access to treatment, inform research, shape program development and government policies to improve the quality of life for people affected by mood disorders.
MDSC manages the Defeat Depression Campaign in collaboration with the many local mental health organizations from coast to coast who host events in their communities.
For more information, visit us at mdsc.ca