Ursinus College has teamed up once again with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for their annual walk to raise funds for the organization, as well as to raise awareness of mental health issues and stop suicide. The “Out of Darkness Campus Walks” are the AFSP’s main student fundraising series. The walk is designed to engage people of all ages in the fight to prevent suicide, one of the leading causes of death among all age groups. Students are presented with the opportunity to donate funds as well as walk to spread awareness, but it is not required to donate — your presence is more than enough! Last year, Ursinus raised over $27,000 for the AFSP.
This year, the AFSP hopes to raise that number by broadening their horizons. To do this, they have offered participation in the event to Greek Life organizations as an opportunity for organizations to come together, to gain more traction and hopefully, to help it become a tradition. The walk is being offered as a 5-star event, encouraging many organizations to try to get everyone involved if they are available. Since it falls on the Sunday right after Greek Week, they have decided to make the event into a fundraising competition for the different orgs. Each organization will be a team, earning a free shirt for each person on the team if they raise $100. Many have already signed up to offer their time, such as Kappa Delta Kappa, Alpha Delta Phi Society, Sigma Gamma Rho, Alpha Delta Phi Society, and others. These orgs are excited for the chance to help the cause and jumped at the chance to take part.
The “Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk” will take place on Sunday, April 21st at 10am. The groups will meet up at Olin Plaza for a two-mile walk around campus. As mentioned, donations are not required to walk, and walking is not required to donate. With the warmer weather, many are excited to get out and spend time with one another. The “Out of The Darkness Walk” is the perfect way to get your steps in, enjoy the morning air, and enjoy time with your friends while raising awareness for a cause that affects everyone.