Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Mike Babcock attends fundraiser for suicide prevention in Peterborough

08/25/2015 at 9:59pm EDT

This news item from the isn't TMR stuff any more because it's not Red Wings-related, but as a Red Wings fan, I'm glad to read the Peterborough Examiner's Dale Clifford report that Toronto Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock's commitment to mental health awareness hasn't changed a bit:

The 52-year-old was the guest of honour for Breakfast with Babcock, a fundraising event in support of a new suicide prevention program hosted by Team 55, Let’s Tackle Suicide Awareness, at the Trentwinds International Centre on Tuesday morning.

An announced crowd of 506 attended the affair and $71,544 was raised for the new two-year program with the Canadian Mental Health Association Halliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) called Assertive Outreach for Suicide Prevention (AOSP).

The program serves individuals who’ve been identified to be at high risk for ongoing or repeated suicidal behaviour and offers support for the person’s immediate and short-term needs and helps to create a safety plan, while connecting them with other resources.

Babcock talked some hockey and his involvement in the game over the years but his focus mainly was on talking about leadership qualities on and off the ice and sharing why he was so passionate about mental health and particularly suicide prevention, especially after losing two family friends to suicide.

...

“When I heard what they were doing here and had the opportunity to be here, I wanted to come,” he said. “I didn’t come here as a coach but I wanted to talk about mental health and share it with others. I care about people, worry about kids. There is nothing worse than suffering in silence. People need someone to talk to if something is wrong. Sharing with someone can get you through it and can make a difference. These things have been very important to me.”

Continued

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Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.

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