Are you up for the Challenge, North Bay?

2,000 push-ups in 18 days

The Push-Up Challenge and Canadian Mental Health Association rally the support of North Bay and District in their push for better mental health this February.  

  This February, CMHA North Bay and District is encouraging North Bay locals to push for better mental health by participating in fitness-based mental health initiative, The Push-Up Challenge. 

The February event has participants taking on 2,000 push-ups, representing the estimated 2,000 lives lost to suicide each day, worldwide. The event begins on Feb. 11 and runs for 18 days. Follow @CMHANBD on Facebook, Twitter and IG to learn more and track our progress!

Canadians from all ages and walks of life will participate in the event which engages people in mental health through connection, physical activity and education. 

"The Push-Up Challenge encourages physical and mental health in a fun way that also puts a spotlight on the support needed for essential services in the community," said Mary Davis, Chief Executive Officer of CMHA North Bay and District.  

"Everyone has mental health; 1 in 5 Canadians will face a mental health concern in their lifetime. The funds raised by participants will help some of our service users with extraordinary needs related to their journey to better mental health, and this year, we're looking to double our impact. Let's all push for stronger mental health and to reduce stigma around mental illness."

The Push-Up Challenge is a free event, and fundraising is optional. Participants can choose to fundraise and support the Canadian Mental Health Association, North Bay and District.

Participants of all ages and abilities will push-up while learning about mental health, with the number of daily push-ups changing to reflect a vital mental health fact. Alternatives to push-ups are also encouraged, such as sit-ups, squats or other exercises. Progress can be tracked through a logging progress on a dedicated app which also allows you to easily fundraise and see how your mates are doing with the event. 

The Push-Up Challenge has been taking place in Australia for the past eight years, with more than 700,000 participants completing 1.2 billion push-ups and raising more than $50 million for mental health. 2025 marks the second time the event will take place Canada, run by the Canadian Mental Health Association. Last year saw more than 49,000 Canadians challenge themselves to complete 2,000 push-ups and raise an incredible $2.4 million dollars. 

You can register for The Push-Up Challenge as an individual, a team, or get your whole workplace, club, gym or school involved at https://www.thepushupchallenge.ca/home?lightbox=/register-select&utm_term=cmha-52

About The Push-Up Challenge 

Founded in Australia in 2017, The Push-Up Challenge began as a challenge between four friends and has grown to become Australia’s largest mental health and fitness event. 2025 is The Push-Up Challenge’s second year in Canada, where individuals will complete 2,000 push-ups over 18 days in February to raise awareness about mental health. The Push-Up Challenge is a fun way for Canadians to connect with one another, get fit, and learn about mental health, with participants encouraged to raise money for the Canadian Mental Health Association. The event is free to take part in and runs from Feb. 11-28, 2025. For more information and to register, visit www.thepushupchallenge.ca