OREGON, Ohio — September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and a local kayaking company is helping people paddle for a purpose.
For Tina Saunders, the owner of Pop Up Paddle Adventures, Monday held a greater meaning.
"Today is Sept. 2. Labor Day," Saunders said. "But it also would have been my younger brother's 50th birthday."
It's not easy for Saunders to talk about her brother. Three years ago, Richard — or as she affectionately calls him, "Ricky" — died by suicide.
"COVID was a rough time for a lot of people," Saunders said. "But I think he felt super isolated and like many people didn't have access to the mental health resources he needed."
The loss was a gut punch and it inspired Saunders to do her part to make sure people don't have to experience the same pain she did.
It's the reason why, when she created her kayaking company at the beginning of this year, she penciled in a day where she would give back to the people who have the resources to help others and got in touch with the Lucas County Suicide Prevention Coalition.
"So she attended a meeting and expressed an interest in becoming a part of the coalition," Manda Rice, a volunteer with the coalition, said. "She made her own artwork, created the event, and we've gotten some great interest today and we're very, very happy to have her as a partner."
While getting in the water and kayaking remained the star of the show, there were also tables full of mental health resources and representatives from NAMI and Harbor were available to answer questions.
All proceeds were donated to the Lucas County Suicide Prevention Coalition.
Saunders said that while talking about suicide isn't easy, it's something everyone needs to get more comfortable doing.
"It's like, why do we have to whisper about suicide?" Saunders said. "It's an issue, and it's an issue we need to work to prevent."
And that's why Saunders said she's so thrilled Paddle for a Purpose has been a hit.
"We have some people that made reservations in advance, some people that are just stopping out, and some people who just stopped out and made a donation and didn't even want to kayak," Saunders said.
Saunders believes it's a sight her brother would have loved to see.
"I think he would recognize we are working hard and not want anyone else to have to go through that," Saunders said.
While it was the first year of the event, Saunders said she plans on making it a yearly tradition, so if you missed it this time, save the date for next Sept. 2 and find more information at Pop Up Paddle Adventure's website at this link.
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The National 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support for anyone in distress and resources for anyone who may need help. By dialing 988, you can be connected with a local crisis center 24/7 for help. You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org.
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