Darkness into Light Ottawa

Each year DIL provides an opportunity for people to connect with their local community, show support to those who have been bereaved by suicide, and bring global awareness to mental health and suicide prevention. From small beginnings in 2009, the DIL movement has grown and now has well over 200,000 participants in 228 locations, in 25 countries across 5 continents and has raised over $30,000,000 worldwide.

DIL Ottawa’s fundraising efforts support the Youth Services Bureau and their work with youth in crisis. Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among 15 to 24 year old in Canada. Last year, YSB helped 1426 youth receive Mental Health Crisis Services support, including 332 youth who connected through a crisis chat service to a caring counsellor. And, just as importantly, YSB reduced the wait time for youth counselling from 30 to 24 days!

DIL’s mission is to provide awareness, resources and support to people in our local community affected by mental health and suicide. With your help, we can reach further! The walk welcomes everyone and we ask for your support in helping us get the word out. Monetary support is essential for the success of DIL. Receipts are provided for donations over $20.00. Donations online, by cash or cheque are accepted. Cheques can be made payable to YSB Foundation.

Mental health affects EVERYONE. SIGN UP! BRING A FRIEND! BRING THE WHOLE OFFICE! Join us May 9th as we walk with 200,000 people worldwide to bring darkness into the light!

Register HERE or Visit us on Facebook

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Milo's Story

Every year when I was little, I’d think “this will be the year that everything will be okay”. And every year, I’d be crushed. By the time I was 18 I couldn’t take my dad’s drinking or my mom’s crying anymore, so I packed a knapsack with the warmest clothes I had and I left. It was freezing cold, and I was alone…but I was free.

The next few months were rough and at times very scary. I spent nights in parks, doorways and even under bridges all with just an old sleeping bag a friend had given me. One night it was so cold that I walked until the sun came up, afraid that I would freeze to death if I slept.

It took me awhile to get over the embarrassment to start asking people for money. But, it was swallow my pride or stay cold and hungry. After two weeks of doing this I learned about YSB. I didn’t know it then but, in that moment, my life changed for the better. I got connected to YSB’s Young Men’s Emergency Shelter and my first night in the shelter I slept 11 hours. I felt so safe and secure. I remember that moment clearly and I felt so hopeful I now have my own apartment in one of YSB’s long-term housing buildings, am attending college to become a graphic designer, and am working part-time to support myself.

“For the first time I can remember, I’m really excited about my future. Growing up I just thought about getting by one day at a time.” I hope my story conveys just how life changing it was for me to be able to access YSB’s shelter during a really difficult time in my life. The team at YSB supported me every step of the way, and I’m grateful they were by my side. I hope you’ll consider taking the opportunity to transform the life of another young person like me today.

Milo*

*While Milo’s story is real his name has been changed to protect his privacy