September is Suicide Awareness Month. On the weekend, there were two separate events to remember local youth who passed away too soon. On Saturday morning, the first ever Ride for Sarah took place at Pete’s Sales and Service with close to 50 motorcycles participating. Clubs from as far away as Ottawa and North Bay came to Petawawa to take part in the “Breaking the Silence” ride. The event has been going on for several years in a bid to raise awareness about suicide rates for veterans and first responders, but it’s the first time they decided to join forces with the Robbie Dean Family Counselling Centre. This year, the ride was in honour of Sarah Donavan. Executive Director of the Robbie Dean Family Counselling Centre, Monique Yashinskie, says Sarah was one of the young ladies who lost her life in the Petawawa River this spring. Since Sarah’s parents are riders themselves, it made sense to have the event in her honour.
If one person was helped from the event, organizers consider it a success. The motorcycles went from Petawawa to Pembroke taking the back route to Renfrew where they stopped for a break before continuing on to Pinto Valley Ranch. Yashinskie says the proceeds raised will go towards programs they offer for those who are struggling in Renfrew County. Meanwhile, on Saturday afternoon, the first ever Hannah’s Heart Youth Festival took place in Westmeath. Hannah’s mother, Tasha Cowell, says she suffered anxiety due to bullying and was 14 when she passed away. She says her daughter had a heart of gold and would go out of her way to improve the lives of others.
Hannah’s mother says they plan to make the youth festival an annual event. She says Hannah’s Heart is an organization that offers strategies for youth struggling with their mental health. As they expand, Hannah’s Heart will train youth ambassadors to spread positive messages in the community letting others know the world is a better place with them around. Cowell says they hope to reach out to local schools and anyone who wants to get involved is encouraged to check out their website, social media and use the hashtag #HannahsHeartTribe.
(Photo: Top – Monique Yashinskie making an announcement at Ride for Sarah. Bottom – Hannah and her family)
