On Saturday, June 13, 1,700 participants of all ages laced up for the Breaking the Silence Mental Health Walk and Run. It was a beautiful day of movement, connection and open conversations about the importance of mental health in our community.
The mission of Breaking the Silence is to unite individuals from all walks of life to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Everyone deserves support, compassion and understanding—because mental health matters to everyone, everywhere.
The Edmonton Public Schools Foundation is grateful to be the recipient of a $12,000 donation from this year’s event. Breaking the Silence has generously donated a total of $34,000 to the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation since 2024, funding programs and resources that help students build resilience, feel connected and reach their full potential. Past funding has supported BLUES Program Training for EPSB Mental Health Therapists and Wellness Coaches and has also supported the purchase of Mental Health Resource Kits, all in support of students.
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We asked Raju Virk, Founder of Breaking the Silence, to share about why he started organizing the event:
“Breaking the Silence was founded in memory of my best friend, Surjan Singh Sanghera, who we lost to suicide 12 years ago. What began as a way to honour his memory has grown into a movement focused on creating conversations, reducing stigma and connecting people with support. Seeing thousands of people come together each year reinforces why this work is so important.”
People of all ages participated in the day, from grandmas to babies in strollers. The energy of the community at this year’s event was an indication of the enormous support for the important work that Raj and the Breaking the Silence team are doing, and for the important messages that they’re sharing.
“One of the things that stood out most to me this year was seeing people of all ages come together for a common purpose,” Raj says. “From young children participating with their families to community leaders, volunteers, sponsors and mental health organizations, it was a powerful reminder that mental health impacts all of us and that meaningful change happens when a community comes together.”
The Breaking the Silence movement brings together individuals, families and communities to share the vital message that mental health impacts us all — regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, age or socioeconomic status.
It takes months of work to get the event across the finish line every year. Reflecting on the success of this year’s event, Raj shared a personal highlight:
“One of my favourite moments from the event was standing at the start line and looking out at the crowd. It was a reminder that every participant has a story, and together we are building a community where people feel seen, supported, and comfortable reaching out for help when they need it.”
Alex Jap, a Board Member for the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation, participated in the event and highlighted the connection between physical and mental health:
"I believe that physical health can play an important role in maintaining positive mental health, so I was eager to participate in the Breaking the Silence Mental Health Walk and Run. It was a great event. The entire Breaking the Silence team and volunteers did an amazing job creating an enjoyable experience while spreading such a crucial message."
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"To see that many people coming together to help support mental health is inspiring. I am thankful that Breaking the Silence chose to support Edmonton Public Schools students with their generous donation to the Foundation’s Mental Wellness pillar,” Alex shared. “Providing support for students early on in their journeys sets them up for success, and I’m thankful to have been able to participate in this event!"
Breaking the Silence believes in building a future where every person feels seen, valued, and supported.
To the organizers, the volunteers and every single person who walked, ran, or donated: thank you. Together, we can break the silence and build a healthier community!
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