Kitchener, ON – Climb Out of the Darkness®, the world’s largest event raising funds and awareness of perinatal mood disorders, will hold a regional Climb Out of the Darkness in Kitchener virtually with an exhibition running May-June 2021. Survivors of postpartum depression (PPD), anxiety (PPA), OCD, PTSD and psychosis and family/community supporters will walk to help raise awareness and funds to support the training of local providers in Perinatal Mental Health. We are proud to partner with Post-Part and Breastfeeding Buddies Waterloo Region.
In Kitchener, the event has partnered with the inter-arts project Post-Part, lead by local artist Catherine Mellinger. The exhibition, in partnership with the City of Kitchener Economic Development Department, will be exhibited in downtown Kitchener windows, marking the path for participants in the walk and opens on May 5th. The interactive installation allows those walking to scan QR codes at each window that give access to interactive web pages including audio compositions and short film. Sponsors include The Joseph Schneider Haus, City of Kitchener, Awesome Without Borders, SHORE Centre, Encompass Health & Wellness, and Ambrosia Corner Bakery.
Post-Part draws on the written works of Charlotte Perkins Gilman (The Yellow Wallpaper) and Barbara Ehrenreich (For Her Own Good), as well as takes visual inspiration from the contemporary collage movement and the RGB innovation of the Italian design due Carnosky. Incorporating hidden collage images behind a 19th century inspired brocade, coupled with auditory composition built on testimonies from birthing parents, the exhibition invites its audience to consider how far we have really come in supporting birthing parents struggling with their mental health.
Participants are asked to register prior to the event at https://cotd-2021.causevox.com/team/team-waterloo-region. Sponsorships from local businesses are also being accepted. Please contact local Climb Leader, Lisette Weber, at lisette@cotdwaterlooregion.org for more information on sponsoring or joining the climb.
“The mission of Postpartum Support International is to promote awareness, prevention and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing in every country worldwide,” says Wendy Davis, PSI Executive Director. “PSI loves the Climb because we know how important it is to feel connected, supported, informed, and ready to help the next person who needs us. We climb because it saves lives. We climb because of YOU.”
This will be the first annual Climb Out of the Darkness® held in Waterloo Region. In 2019, more than 2,500 participants joined Climbs in 45 states and 11 countries around the world. In 2020, despite Covid–19 moving all walks online, was able to raise nearly $80,000, most of which was distributed to 22 community organizations, 25 state chapters and directed towards scholarships for providers of colour.
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