Saturday April 8 2023 - TCRC National President Paul Boucher and Treasurer Chris Lowe attended the Annual Northern Ontario Fish Derby for Mental Health Award Ceremony and community meal organized by Hornepayne Legion Ladies Auxiliary in partnership with Kidsport Hornepayne. Key organizers for the event are Lisa Stewart and her husband Paul, who is also a local TCRC Local Chairman.

supporting these types of initiatives

This is an annual event held each winter to encourage the community to become active and get outdoors to stimulate a positive mental health outlook. The purpose of this contest is to promote the healthy benefits of outdoor activity for youth, their friends and family. Anglers compete for great prizes in various senior and junior ice fishing categories. Many local businesses support the event by providing prizes that encourage outdoor activity. In addition to prize winner announcements, attendees were treated to a delicious home cooked lunch, live entertainment, and a Kidsport fun zone for the children.

TCRC President Paul Boucher spoke to the crowd on hand on the importance of recognizing and supporting these types of mental health initiatives in our communities.  Paul lived in Hornepayne as a seven year old child while his father was stationed there with CN management. The key mental health points Paul noted were the issues of inversion, depression and anxiety. He spoke on his personal mental health struggles throughout his life and how he is able to deal with them on a day to day basis. President Boucher thanked the organizers of the event and encouraged more communities to take these types of initiatives to recognize and support those who are struggling.