It was another great year for iClimb – one of United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County’s signature events, which helps raise funds for local mental health and counselling services.

On Wednesday, February 24, 2016, United Way hosted its 7^th Annual iClimb for a cause.

Local schools, workplace teams and volunteers challenged their fitness and climbed more than 1,000 steps at the WFCU Arena.

Teams also took part in other interactive challenges, including an inflatable obstacle course, boxing drills, martial arts, yoga, Tai Chi, and basketball.

Did you know?

• 1 in 4 Canadians suffer from a mental illness. (Source: Canadian Mental Health Association)
• Those living in low income are 3 to 4 times more likely to have a mental illness than those with a higher income. (Source: Canadian Mental Health Association)

In total, more than $44,200 was raised through sponsorship and pledges to the iClimb participants.  Visit their Facebook page to catch up on all the fun.

United Way and its partners are building strong communities through: 

• Counselling Walk in Clinics in Windsor and Leamington, as well as one-on-one counselling and educational groups available throughout Essex County.  These are free to those living in low income.  Last year we helped 2,000 people.
• Suicide Prevention Programs which train first responders and families to respond to people in crisis.  Last year there were 3,800 participants.
• Counselling and support for the LGBTIQ community through counselling and through Gay Straight Alliance Groups in high schools
• Peer Support Workshops that help people with a brain injury work to improve their quality of life
• 211 Information Services which can help people find mental health support services in their local area