A push for better mental health

Feb 27, 2024

This month, we challenged you to join us in pushing for better mental health by participating in The Push-Up Challenge – a new-to-Canada initiative aimed at raising awareness and funds for mental health.

It was a big ask: complete 2,000 push-ups (or an alternative exercise) over 23 days. Little did we expect to see such an overwhelmingly positive turnout.

Nearly 50,000 of you registered for the challenge with enthusiasm and commitment, completing over 44 million push-ups!

Over the course of 23 days, you shared your progress, personal stories of mental health struggles and resilience, and positivity. You helped push mental health into the open, all while connecting with those who share the same passion for mental health and supporting each other and your own circles through open and caring conversation.

Thanks to you, over $2.4 million was raised for CMHAs across Canada.

These critical funds will support people living with mental illness, prevent mental illness and promote mental health and resilience for all Canadians.

When we look at all we accomplished in just 23 days, we are astounded. Your dedication motivates us in our ongoing fight for mental health, and the funds you’ve raised help ensure everyone has access to the mental health care and supports they need in their own community.

If you would like to continue to support CMHA, visit www.cmha.ca/donate to make a difference today.

The Push-Up Challenge has been taking place in Australia for the past 7 years, with over 400,000 participants completing 900 million push-ups and raising over $40 million for mental health. 2024 marks the event’s first year in Canada, organized locally by the Canadian Mental Health Association.

With 330 community locations, CMHA is a nationwide organization that promotes mental health and supports people recovering from mental illness.