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On Saturday, February 18th, many brave souls took a frigid dip to help prevent suicide. The Polar Dip, organized by the Pitel family on behalf of the Sarnia-Lambton Suicide Prevention Committee, was a fun activity where local figures were sponsored to take the plunge into ice cold water! Each participant had to be sponsored to the sum of $500 to ensure their participation. The goal of this event was to help the Pitel family raise at least $3000 to fund safeTALK trainings through the SLSPC. If you are familiar with this family at all, you will not be surprised to learn that they greatly surpassed their goal and raised over $7000!

This of course, would not have been possible without the help of generous pledgers, and the local figures:

Dr. John Butler- Central Lambton Family Health Team
Dr. Lisa Thompson- Petrolia Chiropractic
Tim Garvie – Petrolia Fire Department
Brian Clark – Paramedic
Joel Field- Council Member
Debb, Kevin Pitel and family

Thank you all, especially Deb Pitel for her never ending efforts to help prevent suicide!

safeTALK is a half-day alertness training that prepares anyone over the age of 15, regardless of prior experience or training, to become a suicide-alert helper. Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t truly want to die, but are struggling with the pain in their lives. Through their words and actions, they invite help to stay alive. safeTALK-trained helpers can recognize these invitations and take action by connecting them with life-saving intervention resources, such as caregivers trained in ASIST. Find an upcoming community training.

View the Observer article here.

 

If you are feeling suicidal or you are concerned about someone else who may be suicidal please contact your local crisis line or counselling centre.