Brent

I joined Sashbear in 2022 during a very difficult period for my family, when we were searching for support, understanding, and practical skills to navigate emotional dysregulation and its impact on family life. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of supporting families through Sashbear programs in a variety of facilitation roles. I try to ignite volunteerism in quieter, more personal ways—by sharing my experience when I meet others who may benefit from Sashbear and encouraging families to consider the course. One of the most meaningful parts of my volunteering is mentoring new facilitators and watching them grow in confidence as they begin to support families themselves. Volunteering with Sashbear has truly changed who I am—I am more empathetic, less judgmental, and I use these skills in every part of my life, not just within my family. Sashbear was there for us when we needed help most, and being able to walk alongside other families, share hope, and help them feel less alone fills a void I once had—I feel like I am making a real difference in the world.

Dominique

I began observing and facilitating with Sashbear in 2022. At first, I wasn’t comfortable sharing my involvement because it meant admitting that my child had borderline personality disorder, or at least a mental health condition. Through Family Connections, as I continued to deepen my skills and stay in contact with the other facilitators, I realized that I needed to do the opposite and to destigmatize mental illness and those who live with this challenge. So, I shared my experience, first with my family, and the following year my daughter joined the walk. My two other daughters have become interested in the skills, our discussions are more open, and our family environment is more validating.

Then, I shared with my friends, and asked for their help. They all answered, “I’m here!” Since then, they’ve also become volunteers. One of them is an observer, her husband is a facilitator, and the third came to lend a hand during in‑person trainings and at the most recent walk. Others give generously to every fundraising campaign I run and support me in my activities.

Friends of friends, sisters of friends, and so on have also benefited from the program offered and, in turn, now share our messages and the hope of better days for their loved ones and for themselves. A whole network of support and mutual aid has now been created.

I talk about my volunteer work when I’m in coffee shops or with people I meet while traveling, and everyone is interested. Everyone knows someone in their circle who is living with a mental health challenge. I then give them the contact information for the Sashbear website. As a result, for several years now, many people have registered following simple conversations about my volunteer work with the Sashbear Foundation. I am very proud to give back and contribute to the well‑being of dozens of people each year since I started.

Marisol

I have ignited volunteerism in my community by creating opportunities for people to connect through purpose, compassion, and shared action. Through my work with The Sashbear Foundation and the annual Sashbear Walk in Steinbach for Mental Health Awareness, I’ve inspired individuals, families, and local organizations to step forward by openly sharing my own testimony and demonstrating the power of lived experience. By leading with empathy, storytelling, and a deep commitment to mental health advocacy, I’ve helped others see volunteering not simply as service, but as a pathway to healing, belonging, and stronger, more supportive communities.

My family and I work side by side in this mission, modeling partnership and dedicated teamwork. I believe this has encouraged other families to join the cause, knowing that their efforts help ensure families across Canada receive the same life-changing support that ours once did.

I also strive to ensure my volunteers feel that they belong, that their contributions are meaningful, and that their gifts matter. I work hard to make the event as enjoyable and uplifting for the volunteers as it is for the participants. Not everything will be perfect, and we all understand that—but we lead with heart, and that makes the difference. I inspire my volunteers by reminding them that every act of kindness counts: a warm smile, a gentle word, a compassionate gesture, a helpful guide. Each interaction has the power to make someone feel seen, supported, and welcomed—just as any of us would hope to feel when arriving at an event where we may not know what to expect.