SASKATOON — The Ackermans used their family’s grief in losing their relative as a beacon of hope for others struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse, launching the Cast a Light on Mental Health fundraiser in 2022.
This year's edition of the Cast a Light on Mental Health fundraiser is scheduled for Aug. 16 at Shell Lake. For more information and to register, visit www.calmfishing.ca.
Stuart Ackerman was a beloved son, husband, father and friend to many. He lost his battle with mental illness more than three years ago. That same year, in 2022, the Ackermans organized a fishing derby to raise funds to help organizations that assist those dealing with the same issues.
Steve Ackerman said they hope to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and encourage people to seek support. The event raises funds, and the proceeds are donated to groups that assist people with mental health and addiction challenges.
“We launched Cast a Light on Mental Health after losing Stuart. He loved being outdoors and fishing — it only made sense to create something meaningful that reflected who he was and helped others at the same time,” said Steve Ackerman.
“Stuart was a high-functioning husband and father who battled mental health in silence. With Stu’s mental health struggles becoming more apparent during his teenage years, as he reached adulthood, the avid fisherman saw a counsellor to help with the pain and trauma.”
Steve added that Stuart struggled and tried to navigate through his situation, but it drove him to substance abuse. His addiction problems, combined with life’s pressures, became too much for him and ended his life in April 2022.
“Stu loved all things outdoors and was passionate about fishing. This event would create a way to honour his memory by doing something he loved while also helping others who may be struggling with mental health or addictions,” he said.
Steve said they had met with various groups in Saskatoon and the surrounding area, and they learned that many mental health organizations rely heavily on private funding. Possibilities Recovery Center Inc. was chosen to receive the funds raised.
In 2023 and 2024, the event raised and donated $12,000 to PRCI, which provides opportunities for recovery from mental health and substance use disorders while promoting positive change not only in the lives of individuals living with substance use but also their families.
PRCI also offers the first youth (ages 14 to 21) intensive outpatient mental wellness program in Saskatchewan, as well as an intensive outpatient treatment program for adults, an aftercare program, individual counselling and the new Youth Intensive Outpatient Mental Wellness Program.
One in three Canadians experience mental illness during their lifetime, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. Over 200 people in the country attempt to take their lives every year, and an estimated 4,500 people die by suicide, according to Statistics Canada.
