Southern Alberta First Responders Unite for Mental Health Fundraiser

A coalition of first responders from southern Alberta convened on March 2025 to raise funds and awareness for mental health initiatives supporting veterans and first responders. The event, titled Pulling Together for Mental Health 2025, took place at the Calgary Police Service Headquarters and featured 15 teams competing in a seven-hour rowing competition. Proceeds from the event will benefit Wounded Warriors Canada, an organization dedicated to providing essential services and support for veterans and first responders.

Rory Thompson, co-founder of Pulling Together, highlighted the alignment of the initiative’s mission with that of Wounded Warriors Canada. “Wounded Warriors are a national organization that deliver services, programs, and training directly to first responders, veterans, and their families,” Thompson stated. He noted that the organization offers a comprehensive suite of programs aimed at addressing mental health challenges.

Co-founder Jade Wong underscored the importance of their collaboration, explaining that both organizations share a commitment to supporting mental health. “They support, essentially what we support,” Wong remarked, “which is veteran and first responder mental health.” Last year, funds raised helped facilitate the provision of an operational stress injury dog for the Calgary Police Service, enhancing their on-site support for first responders.

In 2024, the event successfully generated $85,000, which included financing a fully-trained operational stress injury service dog. For 2025, the fundraising target was set at $75,000, with the aim for all funds to remain within Calgary. Remarkably, by the end of the event, contributions had already exceeded expectations, reaching $82,000.

As the competition unfolded, the atmosphere was anything but bleak. Thompson described the excitement generated by the diverse array of participants, including teams from Calgary EMS, Lethbridge Police, Tsuut’ina Nation Police, military veterans, and various corporate and community groups. “The energy is electric,” he commented, emphasizing the camaraderie and competitive spirit that filled the venue.

Each team engaged in a rigorous challenge, with participants required to row vigorously for a minimum of five minutes. This fast-paced format not only heightened the energy in the room but also fostered a sense of community and shared purpose.

Wong reiterated the event’s core message, stating, “To really talk about mental health and say that it’s okay to not be okay.” She stressed the necessity of providing resources and support to those who need it most, particularly first responders and veterans who serve their communities daily.

The success of Pulling Together for Mental Health 2025 reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health support for those who face daily challenges in their line of work. Through initiatives like this, communities can come together to foster understanding and provide crucial assistance to those who protect and serve.