As a pharmacist in rural Saskatchewan, Carmen Fick sees firsthand how many people struggle with mental health challenges.
So when she heard about Step Up For Mental Health — the Saskatoon road race that raises funds for mental health support programs across the province and encourages open conversations about mental health — Fick felt compelled to get involved even though she doesn’t run much (“I used to run more before I got older and my knees started giving out,” she says).
Fick, co-owner of Guardian Pharmacy in Biggar, decided to register her entire staff for the 2023 event as a unique company Christmas party. The idea was such a success that it became an annual tradition. This year, the team is excited to head back to Saskatoon for Step Up on Sunday, Sept. 21.
“As pharmacists, we’re all about health awareness and we realize how important physical activity is for mental health,” Fick says. “In our industry, we see and deal with mental health every single day.”
While Guardian Pharmacy has between five and seven staff members at any given time, the holiday party invitation is extended to employee’s family and customers. Last year more than two dozen people joined the Guardian team at the Step Up start line — some pushing strollers, others using mobility devices — and a similar number is expected this year in the 5- and 10-km events. “It’s been a really good team building exercise for ourselves and our employees,” Fick says.
Step Up For Mental Health is one of the largest road-racing events in Saskatchewan and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for mental health projects in the province. This year’s event kicks off with a half marathon on Sat. Sept. 20. Five- and 10-kilometre races take place on the Sun. Sept. 21.
