For 24/7 crisis support, call Here 24/7 at (844) 437-3247
For 24/7 crisis support, call Here 24/7 at (844) 437-3247
Be a Spark in our Community
5 days. 1 cause. Many ways to Spark hope.
Suicide prevention starts with us all. Over 5 days, you too can be a Spark by promoting open conversations, fostering connection, and sparking hope while fundraising for Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council (WRSPC).
The Spark Challenge is a community fundraiser that raises awareness about suicide prevention while supporting the WRSPC’s work. Funds raised will help provide suicide prevention education and training, resources, and bereavement support for individuals, families, and communities impacted by suicide. Throughout the challenge, we invite our community to celebrate the everyday acts of hope, kindness, and connection that can make a meaningful difference.
The Spark Challenge is more than a fundraising campaign, it’s a call to action for all of us to be a spark for ourselves, and for others. It is the recognition that suicide prevention often consists of connections and experiences that spark hope, meaning, and belonging.
We believe that even the smallest spark can lead to great change, and together, we can ignite hope, inspire action, and light the way toward healing. Throughout the challenge we encourage you to spark conversations by sharing ways to be the spark on Instagram and/or Facebook using @WRSPC and #WRSPCSparkChallenge.
Each day from November 16 to 20 we will send prompts to encourage you to be the spark and receive the spark. Below are some ideas you can consider encouraging community discussion:
To help you participate successfully in The Spark Challenge, check out some of the resources and helpful tips below!
Sharing your “Why,” the reason you are participating in the Spark Challenge, is a great way to connect with others.
Focus your story on healing, getting support, and having hope. If you are thinking of sharing your story, we encourage you to:
Remember, you can set boundaries around what you share and with whom you share with.
Suicide prevention can be as simple as a smile to a stranger, sharing a quote of hope, and even starting conversations with friends, family and colleagues.
Over the next few weeks, we encourage you to notice people around you who may need support. Whether you know someone who is having a hard time, someone who has recently attempted suicide, or someone who has lost a loved one to suicide, one of the ways that you can help is to start a caring conversation.
Follow the link where we share some information to help start this conversation with someone you are worried about: https://wrspc.ca/individuals/supporting-someone-else/how-do-i-start-the-conversation/
When posting throughout the Spark Challenge, below are great resources for you to share:
For additional community and virtual resources, please visit:
The challenge is based on the idea that small acts of kindness, connection, and hope can create meaningful change in someone’s life and inspire others to do the same.
September 10 on World Suicide Prevention day we are launching the challenge, fundraising can begin right away with the challenge actively taking place November 16 to 20.
Each day, from November 16 to 20 you’ll receive a simple prompt designed to encourage connection, kindness, or reflection. Complete the activity, share it if you’re comfortable, and invite others to support your fundraising page.
You can share the link to your Canada Helps fundraising page over social media, email, or text message. Personalize your page with a photo or if you’re comfortable, share your story, this will help people feel more connected to supporting you.
Hi [Name], I hope you’re doing well! I’ve joined the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council Spark Challenge. Each day from November 16 to 20 I will be completing a daily prompt that will spark hope, kindness and connection. I’m looking for donors to support my page [insert link] and have a goal of [insert goal]. Would you be open to donating?
No. Social media is encouraged but not required. You can participate privately or share the challenge through email, text messages, or conversations
Funds support the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council’s work, including:
Any donor to your CanadaHelps personalized fundraising page will receive a tax receipt.
The social media component of The Spark challenge will run from November 16th to 20th, but we encourage you to fundraise throughout the entire month of November.
