Student WTLH Committee
Students have been instrumental in helping to make the day successful by helping with set up, staffing stations at the walk, holding signs of support and clean up. They have also assisted in the weeks leading up to the walk by distributing flyers and sharing the information at their schools.
This year we started the Student WTLH Committee. We invited all past student volunteers to join our committee. 14 students joined and one high school teacher. Together we came up with what we wanted our committee to focus on:
Build awareness of mental health and addiction in the school.
Help with pop up events through the community leading up to the walk.
Organize our first Student Art Exhibit for Mental Health. Our exhibit was titled: "Be the Light in Someone's Storm." It was a successful first event and we will be making this an annual event. The purpose of this event was to engage with the community to raise awareness at a broader level.
Promote the walk at the school.
We have representation from high schools throughout Halton. Our vision is to have a WTLH committee at each high school. Each committee could look at ways to promote and normalize mental health at their school and encourage participation in the walk.
“Our students are helping to dismantle harmful beliefs and stereotypes which
will create societal changes needed for people to be more comfortable
talking about and receiving help for mental health.”
- Melanie Walker Co-Chair WTLH
What our students are saying…
“Mental Health struggles can be experienced by anyone, anywhere, and few feel comfortable in seeking help they need. That is why I believe it is vital to break the stigma associated with asking for help and talking about struggles.”
- Arshia
“Walk to the Lighthouse shows that small acts of support can have a meaningful impact. Being part of the walk also helps create a sense of hope, connection, and support for those who may be going through difficult experiences. I believe that raising awareness and standing together as a community can help make people feel less alone and encourage positive change.”
- Urvi
“Being around other teens who also want to make a change has shown me how much we can do when we come together. I think learning how you can be a light of hope in someone else's storm is a really beautiful thing.”
- Hannah
“I believe having access to proper information regarding mental health and addiction, and access to support and resources saves lives. Walk to the Lighthouse is helping to bridge this societal gap with the spread of information and mental health support.”
- Siraj
“This cause is important because mental health is a real struggle, and many people, especially teens, are afraid to speak about it. The walk shows that it's okay to reach for help when needed and that there are many resources around.”
- Elsa
“A rewarding moment for me was when I was holding out signs for the people and cute dogs as they were walking to the lighthouse and the smiles on their faces feeling empowered and encouraged.”
- Mikah
“I’ve learned that raising awareness isn’t just about one event or one day, but about continuing the conversation and helping people feel supported. It has also made me more aware of how much youth can contribute when given the opportunity to speak up and get involved in causes that matter.”
- Raheemah
September 18, 2026
September 14, 2026
September 10, 2026
Walk to the Lighthouse Youth Committee in Halton News
September 9, 2026
Burlington Today Article: Five-kilometre Walk to the Lighthouse fundraiser set for late September
July 23, 2026