Haeden, Zara and Danika with their club parakeet, Dove.

Six youngsters will venture out on a 5k hike near Houston to raise funds for HIKE for Mental Health on November 18.

Carrie Champion is the sponsor of The Canvas Club, an activity club for children aged 5-11 in her hometown of Spring. “The kids realize that they can make choices with consequences and can make a difference in their community,” Registered Nurse Champion explains. “Our short hike is a simple way for them to raise awareness and funds for mental health research.”

Proceeds from Champion’s hike benefit HIKE for Mental Health, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to advancing the scientific understanding of the causes, treatments and cures of major mental illnesses.

“Hiking brings peace of mind to many people,” says HIKE for Mental Health co-founder and Pearland resident Nancy Kozanecki. “But finding peace of mind isn’t always so easy for the 1 in 4 American families affected by mental illnesses such as a schizophrenia, depression, and bi-polar disorder.”

“This club is more than fun outings,” says ten-year-old Zara, vice president of The Canvas Club. Even more ambitious is ten-year-old club president Haeden. “Our club will go nationwide,” he exclaims.
To sponsor Champion and the Canvas Club on their hike, visit their sponsorship page. All donations to HIKE for Mental Health are tax deductible.