Support Men’s Mental Health
Peking to Paris
for Men’s Mental Health
My son Daniel and I are driving 14,250 kilometres to raise funds for the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation
About The Fundraiser
Supporting Men’s Health
We aim to raise $1 million in support of the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation (CMHF). Two brothers from Victoria, BC, Chris and John Beresford, inspired us to do a fundraiser when they took part in 2019 and raised funds for the Arthritis Society Canada. As one of many father and son teams testing our limits and connecting through a shared passion for cars, supporting men’s mental health is as integral to our journey as the rally itself.
Why mental health
The mental health of Canadian adolescents and young men is important to us and something that hits close to home in our personal and professional lives. The reality in Canada is that 12 people die by suicide each day and 3 out of every 4 suicide deaths are by men. That number is shocking.
Anxiety, stress, isolation and depression are a part of life. We want men to know that it’s okay to talk about your struggles and reach out for help. CMHF’s mission is to do just that by providing tools, resources and education to help men understand the importance of taking care of their mental health.
It’s a privilege for us to take this journey but we know there will be times when stress, fear, or the risk of failure will be overwhelming. In those moments we aim to be resourceful and when needed, be ready to ask for help. It’s the same message we want men to hear when it comes to their mental health.
What We’re Driving
About the car we’re driving
We’ll be driving a 1962 Austin Cambridge A60. This car is sentimental to me because it’s very similar to the first car I ever owned: a 1960 Austin Cambridge A55 bought for $100 in 1976. Old British cars were inexpensive and easy to work on, which made them popular. The Austin Cambridge was more of an underpowered family sedan, but still fun to drive and easy to maintain.
We both have a healthy amount of anxiety about potential mechanical failures along the way. Our ability to maintain, repair and be resourceful while navigating a foreign environment will test our limits, no matter the number of spare parts we bring.
Ultimately, spending 37 days together, exploring new places and facing challenges is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and an opportunity to deepen our connection as father and son.
Your Contribution
How your contribution will help
Help men access mental health services
CMHF, in partnership with TELUS Health and Anxiety Canada, is reducing financial barriers to mental health counselling with MindFit Toolkit. Over 650 counselling sessions have been provided at no cost, and more than 1,000 men have requested appointments.
Prevent serious health conditions
Men’s Health Check is a free online assessment that evaluates risk levels for the 8 most common health conditions, including depression, that affect men. Over 115,000 men have received a personalized report through Men’s Health Check.
Encourage men to move for their mental health
During Men’s Health Month and Father’s Day in June, CMHF promotes the value of moving for your mental health. Last year, approximately 1 million men and families engaged with the Move For Your Mental Health campaign.
Expand men's health awareness and research
You can profoundly impact men’s lives, families, and communities.