Courage to Summit • The 21x21 Challenge

Did you know that Males account for over 75 percent of suicides in Canada, which amounts to an average of 50 men per week who die by suicide?¹ Men are taught from a young age that showing emotion is a weakness; at Plants for a Purpose Canada, we know that showing emotion is a strength.

We also understand the struggles of feeling alone and how easy it can be to turn to harmful coping mechanisms and even contemplate suicide when we don’t have the support we need to thrive. No one should ever suffer in silence. That’s why Courage to Summit was created: to provide a community where men who are struggling with their mental health can feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.

As a growing not-for-profit organization, Plants for a Purpose is committed to using our voice to drive change. That’s why we are thrilled to present Courage to Summit, a men's mental health initiative in partnership with Dale Simpson.

What is Courage to Summit?

When outdoorsman and avid mountain climber Dale Simpson approached Plants for Purpose with the idea of climbing mountains in 21 days to raise funds for men's mental health, we couldn’t say “yes” fast enough.

As Dale climbs 21 mountains in 21 days toward a better future for men's mental health, we’ll be cheering him on and supporting him, and we’re calling on you to join us.

There are several ways in which you can contribute and make a difference. You can help spread the word about Dale’s journey by sharing it on social media, donating funds to support our GoFundMe Campaign in support of Plants for a Purpose, or donating an item or service to be included in our auction. You can even advocate for your workplace to become a corporate sponsor!

Every action, big or small, plays a significant role in supporting our cause and nurturing the potential for positive impacts in the lives of men struggling with mental health challenges. Our events Summit Sponsor, Fjällräven Calgary, is generously gifting to all those who make donations to Courage to Summit an exclusive in-store discount to be redeemed in the weeks following this wonderful campaign.

Fjällräven's Discount for Donors:

https://plantsforapurpose.ca/fj%C3%A4llr%C3%A4ven

Join us today and be a part of the change! Together, we can make a difference.

Message from Dale Simpson:

"The 21x21 Challenge is designed to raise awareness and funds that will help bring struggling men in our community back from the darkness of loneliness through connection and identification. We aim to show that it is possible and that there is hope, and that you or someone you love is not alone.

I am certain that the mountains in our lives can be overcome in the same way that the mountains in our naturally beautiful backyard can be conquered. To symbolically summit a mountain every day for 21 days is not an easy task. One might say impossible. But I believe anything is possible if you have enough courage. And I’m up for the task of proving it.

Seeing documentaries/stories of other great men achieving incredible physical accomplishments through adversity and endurance across adventure races or endurance challenges has somewhat stirred in me a curiosity. A wonder as to the limits of my own mind and body. Driven by a love for the outdoors, a spiritual connection in the mountains and a desire to achieve great things with others through altruistic movement; this test of stamina makes total sense to me.

The 21 mountains will be my challenge in hopes each new summit will bring inspiration and help to others. Help to those struggling with mental health issues and the added burdens they bring to the already difficult everyday world we all navigate. We are with you and for you. If yourself, or a loved one is struggling, then I am here to say you are not alone."

Official Courage to Summit Website

For details on our fund management, roadmap, committee team members, sponsors, supporters and media coverage please click:

Our Socials

Major Updates

Important Dates

Objective

Our objective is to raise $21,000 in donations, which will be gratefully received by Plants for a Purpose Canada. These funds will be securely held and released by our board of directors as our committee members prioritize and provide men's mental health solutions that will positively impact the lives of Calgarians and the broader region.

Fund Split and Management

Measurable Outcomes



If you are in crisis and require assistance, please contact the Calgary Distress Centre. Or if you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 within Canada - any time, any day.

¹ Statistics Canada. Canadian Vital Statistics - Death Database. 2017-2019. Released in January, 2022

Plants for a Purpose Canada is incorporated federally under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act - 2024-03-15, business number 750219552RC0001 and registered as an extra-provincial non-profit corporation in Alberta, corporate access number 5325989738.