Climbing For Youth
As a passionate mountaineer and a mental health advocate, my goal is to raise $10,000 by climbing Washington state's 5 highest volcanoes in under 5 weeks.
Climbing for Youth is a fundraising project aimed at promoting mental health in the youth of our community. Adolescence and young adulthood is a unique and formative time. Many physical, emotional and environmental changes can leave these age groups particularly vulnerable to mental health disorders.
As someone who has struggled with mental health in the past and has seen it take root in those I love most, this is a cause that is very important to me.
In the last 10 years, young Americans have been experiencing unprecedented rates of anxiety, depression, PTSD, suicide, self-harm and psychosis. While the prevalence of such disorders has skyrocketed in recent in years, rates of prevention and treatment have not. This project is committed to help fill this gap. Now, more than ever, the future generation is asking for our help.
Check out the links below to see visual representations of this project:
Climbing For Youth Infographic
Climbing For Youth Tour Poster
Where will your money go?
100% of the proceeds will be donated to Washington based non-profit organizations including but not limited to:
1) NAMI Seattle
- Peer-led mental health support groups, presentations and classes.
- Free educational programs for family, partners and friends of people living with mental illness.
- Additional resources such as low cost therapy options and other critical services
- Programs dedicated to developing mental health awareness through early education programs
https://namiseattle.org/
2) ROOTS Young Adult Shelter
- Safe overnight emergency shelter for individuals aged 18-25.
- Dinner, breakfast, toiletries, clothing and showers.
- On site case management and referral to other support and transitional services.
https://rootsinfo.org/
3) Outdoors For All
- Outdoor recreational programs and activities for children with disabilities.
- Promoting education, independence, socialization, exposure to the outdoors and more.
- Providing subsidized classes (i.e. ski, hiking, rock climbing) for children with disabilities.
https://outdoorsforall.org/
4) PEER Washington
- Providing peer emotional support and development services to Washington state residents impacted by
addiction, mental illness and more.
- Maintaining a safe space for members identified as LGBTQ+
- Resource connection, support groups, employment support and peer coaching available for all members of
different communities.
5) Zia Larson's Ray of Light Foundation
- Raising mental health awareness and reducing stigma of seeking help, particularly in Black and communities of color.
- Addressing the higher risk in Black and communities of color for depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses.
- Improving treatment options, education, as well as providing research-proven prevention methods, and holistic approaches for all those who suffer from mental disease.
https://www.ziasrayoflight.org/
I will be attempting this challenge beginning on May 22nd of 2021. I will also be sharing a live GPS recording of these expeditions so that you can follow along as well.
Whether it is $5 or $100, every contribution is vitally important and infinitely appreciated. On behalf of every adolescent and young adult that struggles with mental health, I thank you for your help. I look forward to sharing my journey with you through social media, photos and videos.
A big thank you to Quality Auto Center in Lynwood for sponsoring this project. Many aspects of this fundraiser would not have been possible without their help and support. Please visit their website for more information on them.
https://www.qautocenter.com/
Please share with your friends, families, coworkers and local businesses. Every dollar counts.
To follow along for the journey and receive updates please follow me on Instagram @mcj_smythies