Big Rapids will be hosting their fourth annual Out of the Darkness Walk to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Northend Riverside Park.
The Out of the Darkness Walk is a part of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s fundraising campaign. The goal is to gather friends, family and coworkers to walk for awareness of a large issue present in today’s society: suicide prevention. Gathering donations is largely encouraged before the event. Walkers who raise at least $150 are given a T-shirt.
“The purpose of the walk is to raise awareness about suicide and suicide prevention,” said Michelle Lewis, who is involved with the Out of the Darkness Walk. “The end goal is to bring awareness about suicide in the community so people know that it is a real issue in today’s society.”
The two-mile walk begins at Northend Riverside Park at 10 a.m. on Sept. 6. Walkers may register online for no cost up until Friday, Sept. 5 at noon. Registration will also be held the morning of the walk starting at 9 a.m. The event includes items from AFSP available for purchase as well as breakfast items and a lunch upon completion of the walk.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention funds research to improve a greater
understanding of suicide and ways to prevent it. The foundation also provides educational
programs to increase awareness about suicide and offer survivors a chance to get involved
with their programs.
Out of the Darkness walks