In 2025, funds raised through The Push-Up Challenge helped support mental health programs that serve youth, families, and individuals experiencing barriers to community-driven care.
“We love innovation. Our team often sees opportunities to improve care in our community, backed by strong evidence, for which funding doesn’t yet exist. The Push-Up Challenge helps us turn those ideas into action.”
Fundraising through The Push-Up Challenge in 2025 allowed CMHA Kelowna to expand Family & Natural Supports - a program that strengthens relationships between youth, their families, and natural supports through mentorship, guidance, and skill-building.
In 2026, CMHA Kelowna have seen a significant gap for youth and families in West Kelowna who face real barriers to accessing timely mental health support.
“Distance, transportation challenges, stigma, and limited awareness often delay help-seeking, allowing concerns to grow until they reach a crisis.”
“Funds raised through The Push-Up Challenge 2026 will help provide local, walk-in access to integrated services, reduce or eliminate travel barriers, support early intervention and prevention, and offer culturally responsive, youth-friendly care.”
For CMHA Kelowna, The Push-Up Challenge is about more than raising funds, or even fitness.
“It sparks conversations, reduces stigma, and connects our community. We are grateful to have testimonies from participants who describe The Push-Up Challenge as life changing. The awareness and energy of The Challenge helps shed light on mental health and working together toward suicide prevention, because no one should feel alone.”
CMHA Calgary
What positive impact did the funds raised during The Push-Up Challenge 2025 have for your Branch?
Funds raised through The Push-Up Challenge 2025 helped CMHA Calgary strengthen access to community-based mental health supports, especially peer support and recovery-focused programs.
Dollars raised in Calgary stay in Calgary and the surrounding area, directly supporting people in our local community who are navigating mental health and substance use challenges.
This support made it easier for people to connect with others, feel less alone, and access help without unnecessary barriers. With demand for services continuing to grow across the city, these funds helped us show up earlier and more consistently for people when they needed it most, with compassion, care, and practical support.
Why would you love participants to fundraise for your branch in 2026?
Mental health needs in Calgary and the surrounding area continue to rise, driven by factors like rising living costs, housing instability, social isolation, and long wait times for care. Fundraising for CMHA Calgary through The Push-Up Challenge 2026 helps ensure that local dollars support local solutions.
Funds raised stay in the community and directly support front-line peer support, community education, and recovery-oriented programs that are free or low-barrier. This helps people access support earlier, closer to home, and before things reach a crisis point.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Mental health challenges don’t just affect individuals. They impact families, workplaces, and entire communities. At CMHA Calgary, we see every day how connection, understanding, and early support can make a real difference, especially when that support is rooted locally.
The Push-Up Challenge is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people come together. Thousands of individual efforts add up to meaningful change, helping strengthen mental health support right here in our community.
CMHA Newfoundland Labrador
What positive impact did the funds raised during The Push-Up Challenge 2025 have for your Branch?
Thanks to the incredible support generated through The Push-Up Challenge, we’ve been able to expand in-person mental health training and support across Labrador, including in remote communities where the need is high.
Why would you love participants to fundraise for your branch in 2026?
People in Labrador experience disproportionately high rates of mental health challenges, shaped by intergenerational trauma, systemic barriers, and limited access to culturally safe supports. Reaching these communities isn’t always easy - travel can be costly and unpredictable - but these funds allow us to respond quickly and meet people where they are.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Because of The Push-Up Challenge community, we can stay flexible, show up when it matters most, and continue providing vital mental health resources as needs arise.
Thank you for helping make a real difference, right where it’s needed.
