MOVE-A-THON: A fundraising effort to help ensure that counselling services remain accessible to everyone

Even before the pandemic, the number of people accessing the centre had been steadily increasing for the last 10 to 15 years, she said.

While the centre does access some government funding, it is also dependent on community donations, said Tammy Mayer, the centre’s board chair.

Participants in the move-a-thon will raise donations for every kilometer moved. Any kind of movement will work, said Wood-Atkinson and Mayer, including activities like biking, walking, running, dancing, or rowing – any sort of movement.

The move-a-thon will take place during mental health awareness week, which is May 2-8.

If a participant needs until the end of May to complete their movement, that will be allowed. Participants are asked to wear green while they do their movement.

Funds raised will go toward covering the cost of free-to-access community workshops on topics ranging from seniors issues, parenting classes and general information on mental health, as well as subsidizing counselling costs for clients.

The centre works on a sliding scale to ensure the services are accessible by everyone.

“We really believe that quality counselling services should be available to anyone regardless of their income,” said Wood-Atkinson.

WCC is staffed with masters’ level therapists who are highly trained in confidentiality, she added.

The staff work hard to make sure people are seen quickly. Wood-Atkinson says staff are able to see new clients within about two weeks of contact.

“I want people to know that we’re here for them, really. We’re a phone call away,” she said.

For more information about participating in or donating to the move-athon, visit www. woolwichcounselling.org.