Our History

The Walk to the Lighthouse was founded in 2021 by a subcommittee of Joseph Brant Hospital’s Patient, Family and Care partner Advisory Council (PFCAC) which envisioned a “Walk to the Lighthouse”to symbolize hope in a storm. Often mental illness is stigmatizing and isolating. Walking together helps people realize that they are not alone in this journey and facilitates important conversations and connection. It is through conversation and connection that awareness around the importance of mental health and proper support is raised which helps dismantle the stigma surrounding illness. While the intent was to raise awareness, it was also to raise funds for mental health supports in the hospital and community.

In preparation for our first walk, in 2021, we created the website Equilibrium Burlington to try and reach out to the community to open conversations, increase awareness of supports and advertise our Walk.  

In 2023 the walk focused on raising funds for the redevelopment of mental health and addiction services at Joseph Brant Hospital. 

Our walk has evolved and progressed. We grew from 30 participants the first year to 500 in its 5th year. Our funds raised also grew from $12 000 our first year to $103 000 in our 5th year. Our committee also grew. It expanded beyond the PFCAC subcommittee to include more members of our community thus allowing for broader community involvement, investment, and awareness. This shift expanded participation and encouraged greater input from individuals with lived experience, caregivers, those working in the field, and anyone wanting to improve mental health support for their community. The organization’s ongoing goals are to raise awareness about the importance of mental health, reduce stigma, empower individuals to seek treatment, and raise funds for JBH's For All Minds Campaign in support of the redevelopment of the hospital’s Mental Health and Addictions Services.

What started as a simple vision of people coming together to walk and support a cause that was near to their hearts has grown. Our walk is no longer just a day. It is an event that we promote throughout the year through the selling of walk related merchandise, pop up events, social media posts, interviews, pod casts and presentations. It is our mission to shine a light on an issue that affects many yet is one where too many remain silent and don’t reach out for the support that is needed.