The Canadian Mental Health Association York Region and South Simcoe (CMHA YRSS) is encouraging the local community to push for better mental health by participating in the Push-Up Challenge in February.
Beginning Feb. 11 and running for 18 days across the country, participants are challenged to do 2,000 push-ups, representing the approximately 2,000 lives lost to suicide each day worldwide, a CMHA news release said.
Canadians from all ages and walks of life will participate in the event that engages people in mental health through connection, physical activity and education.
"You have heard it before, exercise, giving back and sharing an activity with family and friends all promote good mental health," said Rebecca Shields, CEO of CMHA YRSS. "I am so excited about the 2025 Push-Up Challenge. It is time for you and your friends to take on a real challenge that not only benefits you but raises critical funds for our community."
“Everyone has mental health. One in three Canadians will experience a mental illness in our lives and need mental health care. Funds raised for CMHA help support critical programs and services, that work to keep people out of crisis and support people of all ages with the mental health help they need, when they need it, wherever we are,” she said.
The Push-Up Challenge is a free event, and fundraising is optional. Participants can choose to fundraise and support CMHA YRSS.
Participants of all ages and abilities will push-up while learning about mental health, with the number of daily push-ups changing to reflect a vital mental health fact. Alternatives to push-ups are also encouraged, such as sit-ups, squats or other alternative exercises. Progress can be tracked through logging progress through a dedicated app which also allows you to easily fundraise and see how your friends are doing with the event.
The Push-Up Challenge has been taking place in Australia for the past eight years, with more than 700,000 participants completing 1.2 billion push-ups and raising over $50 million for mental health. This year marks the second time the event will take place in Canada, run by the Canadian Mental Health Association. Last year more than 49,000 Canadians challenged themselves to complete 2,000 push-ups and raise an $2.4 million dollars.
You can register for the Push-Up Challenge as an individual, a team, or get your whole workplace, club, gym or school involved using this link.
