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(Image Credit: Cam Lee/northeastNOW)
Downtown Melfort

‘Light the Way’ walk focusing on mental health conversation, suicide prevention

Sep 9, 2026 | 3:36 PM

An event in Melfort on Thursday will highlight community spirit and hope. 

The inaugural Light the Way walk will take place at Memorial Gardens in the downtown core. 

Laura Lawrence with Youth Matter Canada told northeastNOW they organized the event in partnership with the Hunter Nelson Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Tisdale Suicide Awareness Committee. 

“We wanted to bring community together in connection and conversation about mental health and suicide awareness,” Lawrence said. “We thought a walk, a barbecue, and a short program would be a good way to start opening up these conversations and just create some opportunity for connection.” 

Lawrence said families that have experienced the loss of loved ones to suicide told them that an event like this would be a chance to celebrate the light and the life of the loved ones that they have lost. While it is the first time the event has been held, Lawrence hopes that it continues for years to come. 

The Light the Way walk also serves as a reminder for the need to discuss the topic of suicide and prevention. 

“When we look at suicide prevention, we should really look at the awareness piece, that there are so many things that still remain a stigma, or still remain silenced or not talked about.” 

Lawrence said the committee felt that creating a space where community could come together to share these conversations and common experiences was important, in addition to sharing the light and connections. 

The barbecue at Memorial Gardens will begin Thursday at 11:30 a.m., followed by a short program at 12:15 and the walk at 12:30. The walk will do a small loop down Main St. and participants will come back to Memorial Gardens. 

Lawrence said they’re grateful to the volunteers, the Hunter Nelson Scholarship Fund, and the Tisdale Suicide Awareness Committee for their effort in making the Light the Way walk a reality. 

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of self-harm or experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact:

Canada Suicide Prevention Service (1-833-456-4566), Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service (306-933-6200), Prince Albert Mobile Crisis Unit (306-764-1011), Regina Mobile Crisis Services (306-525-5333) or the Hope for Wellness Help Line, which provides culturally competent crisis intervention counseling support for Indigenous peoples at (1-855-242-3310).

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com