Pushing for Hope: How a Bed Race Fuelled Our Retreat To Support Families Grieving Loss From Suicide
A Community Comes Together to Support Families Grieving Loss From Suicide.
By:Erin Kelly, Executive Director NB Copes
Ever seen a bed race down the street? That's how we raised $10,000 to support families facing the unimaginable loss of a loved one to suicide. Thanks to this incredible community effort, NBCopes is hosting our second annual retreat for families impacted by suicide loss this November.
For the past four years, NBCopes has hosted retreats for families coping with various losses. Last year, we held our first retreat specifically for those impacted by suicide loss. We quickly realized the special need for this kind of support and wanted to make it an annual event.
However, funding for our Spring 2024 retreat was a bit of a challenge. That's when the amazing team at CrossFit Quispamsis stepped in with a wild idea: a "bed push" fundraiser! Although we were initially puzzled, the thought of a group literally pushing a bed from Saint John to KV was too intriguing to resist.
And let us tell you, this was no ordinary bed. This bad boy was hand-built by the talented folks at R&R Smokers, complete with wheels provided by Millennium Cycle and Sport. Additionally, Snoozey's Mattress Gallery, generously donated a mattress to raffle off (don’t worry it wasn’t the bed we pushed along the route).
The day of the race was filled with excitement and energy. People were not only running and pushing the bed but also learning about NBCopes and the support available to grieving families. The atmosphere was contagious, from the starting line at Fundy CrossFit to the finish line. I even joined in for the last 15 kilometers!
“This bad boy was hand-built by the talented folks at R&R Smokers, complete with wheels provided by Millennium Cycle and Sport.”
Along the way, we were cheered on by enthusiastic volunteers and received support from local businesses. Even our trusty bed received a quick tune-up from the friendly folks at Fundy Honda! We were particularly touched by the support from the Maddy Murphy Foundation, whose volunteers cheered us on with unwavering enthusiasm. As we crossed the finish line, we were greeted with delicious Vito's pizza, served up by the awesome crew from KV Psychology.
Thanks to everyone's incredible efforts—the runners, local businesses and other donors—we raised a whopping $10,000! We also received additional support from the Saint John Suicide Prevention Committee and Operation White Heart.
With these funds, we are able to host our second annual retreat for families impacted by suicide loss. We've already heard from many families who are eager to attend. While we wish no one ever needed this kind of support, it means the world to us that families trust NBCopes to be there for them during such a difficult time.
Want to join us? You can find all the details and the regristration form on our website. Or, feel free to give us a call or send us an email.
We couldn't possibly thank everyone individually for their contributions, but please know that we are deeply grateful for every single person and organization who helped make this event a success. You are all amazing!
A Huge Shout-out to Our Supporters!
Monetary Donations:
NBCC
KV Psychology
Charlotte Pierce
Mike Smith
Black Fox Builders
Whitewater International Consulting
CBCL Engineering
Snoozy’s Mattress Gallery
Fundy Honda
Forfitness
In-Kind Supports:
R&R Smokers
Millennium Cycle & Sport
Vito’s
KV Police
Java Moose
Chandler
Culligan Water of Rothesay
Nela’s Kitchen
Costco
