Mount Boucherie Secondary School in West Kelowna had students moving for mental health on May 8.
Grade 12 student Delaney Neukomm founded the Walk for Mental Health in 2023 through her leadership class. She said with this being her final year of high school, the event is bittersweet.
"It's been the greatest opportunity of my life," Neukomm said holding back tears.
Students and members of the community were invited to walk five kilometres in support of the Foundry Kelowna, an organization offering free mental health services for youth. Everyone was also welcomed into the gym for an assembly with guest speaker and former NHL goalie Corey Hirsch talk about his personal struggles with mental health.
"It makes me happy to know people are coming together and really helping to destigmatize mental health and just enjoy the day together," said Neukomm.
By 11 a.m. the event had already brought in over $20,000, surpassing the $15,000 goal.
Neukomm will be heading to the University of B.C. for neuroscience in the fall and hopes to pursue a career in mental health in the future.
The afternoon saw the school field filled with lawn games, music, food trucks, and other activities.
