The former first responder, Sachin Latti, partnered with Your Opportunity to raise funds and awareness for mental health in youth and first responders. Your Opportunity is a charity that offers sport and exercise programs for youth that don’t have the opportunity to participate in such activities.

Benjamin Richard - Local Journalism Initiative

Since father’s day this year, Sachin has been running an ultra-marathon, or 50 km, everyday across Canada to raise funds and has now raised 146 045$ as of August 22nd. He started his journey on June 15 in Victoria, BC, and has been slowly making his way eastward across the provinces. 

On August 18, Sachin Latti and his team set-up the run in Alain-Potvin Park in Rockland, inviting members of the public to join him for a portion of his run. Speaking about the park, Martin Irwin, the Manager of Recreation and Culture of Clarence-Rockland, explained that “We recognize the importance of recreation and infrastructure like this and the advantages it has on people’s mental health.

There’s a direct correlation with recreation and staying fit and positive mental health.”
“It’s very personal for me. I’ve struggled with my mental health for many years, and I think not enough people know the struggles of first responders”, answered Sachin Latti when asked about his experience as a first responder. He explained that this led him to want to raise awareness for their mental health, as well as youth’s.