Calgary rowing challenge raises over $100k to support veterans and first responders

Sixteen Calgary teams rowed for seven hours Saturday, raising over $100,000 for veterans and first responders living with trauma.

Though it was rowing machines that replaced oars and water at the second annual Pulling Together for Mental Health challenge.

The event set a fundraising goal of $90,000, with proceeds supporting Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC) and mental health programs for veterans and first responders living with trauma.

As competitors settled into the endurance challenge, supporters cheered them on as the intense competition got underway.

“I think mental health is something that’s not talked about enough,” said Jade Wong, a cofounder of Pulling Together for Mental Health.

“And I think that the veterans and first responders see trauma firsthand on a frequent basis, and so they’re really the ones who really need the support.”

With each team raising funds for WWC, a charity supporting veterans and first responders living with trauma, fellow event cofounder Rory Thompson says every stroke symbolizes strength and resilience.

“There’s still that stigma. The reality is that it’s not being talked about enough. And in fact, it’s probably one of these things that you can’t ever talk about enough,” he said.

“So, one of our goals today is to spread the message that it’s okay not to be okay.”

Scott Maxwell, CEO of WWC, says the event brings together police, veterans, first responders, and community members, all focused on supporting mental health awareness.

“There’s nothing more valuable than saying thank you to a first responder or a veteran. To know that they have their back, they’re respected and that these injuries that they can sustain are honourable injuries–that need to be properly supported and respected,” he said.