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Distress Centre holds first Defeat Depression Walk event FIREWORKS CANADA 9 | Thursday, May 14, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com f f O 25% Y. L N O D A S I H T WITH OPEN DAILY 9:00am-9:00pm Victoria Day Monday 9:00 am- 6:00 pm by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff Distress Centre Oakville is calling on the community for support as it prepares to hold its first annual Defeat Depression Walk at Sixteen Mile Creek Trail Saturday, May 30. The centre has been assisting people with mental health and other issues in Oakville and the surrounding community for 41 years through its telephone support line, which is available to those in crisis every day of the week 24/7. The group also provides online support with Crisis Chat/Text. This feature lets individuals connect one-on-one, in real time, with a Crisis Chat volunteer from their computer or smart phone. Providing this kind of constant support costs money, however, and while Distress Centre Oakville relies heavily on volunteers and receives funds from the United Way of Oakville (UWO) and others, more is needed to keep the operation going. "It is important that when someone calls, we are able to answer the call," said Craig Redick, executive director of Distress Centre Oakville. "We want to make sure our systems are up to date and functioning properly, and there is a cost to that." Redick said he also wants to expand the centre's Crisis Chat service, which is currently not available 24/7. Recruiting and training volunteers to speak with people in crisis, or dealing with extreme loneliness or emotional stress, is another expense. To maintain existing services and improve them, the organization is hoping to raise $25,000 through its Defeat Depression Walk. see Fundraiser on p.13 ED A T R P E O & NED O W A N I A D CAN NS C A I I H N C T E WIN A PAIR OF L ICEN SED E C SEASON TICKETS TO PER IEN X S E THE OHL HAMILTON A R E OV ER 20 Y BULLDOGS* S G E A C K A 2015/2016 ED P P H R A G E O R HAMILTON CHO BULLDOGS ION C T E E L S G E HU L AYS S I P S D K O R E CUS TOM FIR W See store for details. Ask about our specials for apartments, townhomes and show organizers. www.fireworkscanada.net sHOP ON LiNE 905-465-9997 We offer after/hours services for those putting together street and block parties. Located in the same units as Dietrichs Oakville Barbecues. 1252 sPEErs rD, UNit # 11. OAKviLLE Or visit