Join WRSPC for World Suicide Prevention Day 2023!

Established internationally on September 10th, 2003, World Suicide Prevention Day presents an opportunity for communities to gather, connect, and show support to one another. Since then, the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council has hosted annual World Suicide Prevention Day events to promote hope and healing through education, providing opportunities for connection, and creating a sense of belonging.

This year, we’re back again with another great event! Join us on Sunday, September 10th from 2:00pm to 4:30pm at the Victoria Park Pavilion, located at 80 Schneider Ave in Kitchener, Ontario. There will be a range of activities including an Information & Wellness Fair featuring local organizations, a Charity BBQ, family-friendly crafts, as well as guest speakers and our meaningful Butterfly Ceremony.

As part of the Butterfly Ceremony, guests will have the opportunity to receive a seed paper butterfly that can be planted to grow wildflowers.

 

For reminders and updates about the event, make sure to follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

If you are part of a business or community organization in Waterloo Region and would like to support or get involved in World Suicide Prevention Day, please reach out to Karyn, at kkipperday@wrspc.ca.

Event Schedule

This year’s World Suicide Prevention Day event includes both drop-in style and scheduled activities which will take place inside the Pavilion as well as on the greenspace behind the building. Please see the schedule below for the time and location of activities.

2:00pm to 3:30pm

Information & Wellness Fair (inside Pavilion)

Charity BBQ (outdoor greenspace)

Family- Friendly Crafts (inside Pavilion)

Live music with Eric Bolton

2:15pm

Yoga with Jayne Hembruff (outdoor greenspace)

Innovative Wellness- Trauma Informed Therapeutic Yoga

2:45pm

Breathwork Session* with Dr. Michaela McClure (outdoor greenspace)

*Space for the breathwork session is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for 30 guests.

3:30pm

Keynote Speakers

4:00pm

Butterfly Ceremony

Guests attending the Butterfly Ceremony will receive a seed paper butterfly that they can plant, and which will grow wildflowers to attract butterflies.

FAQs

Is the event free? 

The entire event, including the Charity BBQ is free! Please note though, that the Charity BBQ and craft activities will be running until 3:30pm, or while supplies last.

How can I get there? Where can I park? 

The Victoria Park Pavilion is located in Victoria Park (also known as Willow River Park) at 80 Schneider Ave, Kitchener. Parking in the Pavilion lot, as well as other lots located in the park, may be limited. However, many of the surface lots and parking garages in downtown Kitchener provide free parking on Sundays.

You can also travel to the Pavilion using public transportation and can use Grand River Transit’s online tool help plan your trip.