Humphreys Paddleboards for Charity 

Tom Humphreys raised $6,400 for the Canadian Mental Health Association – BC Division by participating in a stand up paddleboard (SUP) fundraiser on June 21, paddling from Sidney to the Oak Bay Marina, a distance of 32 km.

E.J. Frederiksen, general manager of Pacifica Paddlesport, Brentwood Bay joined Humphreys in the fundraising effort that took over five hours. 

“I have paddle-boarded for about 10 years and have completed a distance paddle every year for the past five years,” says Humphreys, who became a SUP instructor in 2016 through Paddle Canada. “Mental health affects one in five people in B.C. and only 10 per cent of those affected receive medical care. We need more funding and increased awareness so that those who struggle, as well as their friends and family who provide support, can lead better lives. I have people within my own family who live with mental health issues and it has always been on my life-to-do-list to try a personal fundraiser to see how much support I could generate for a good cause.”

The fundraiser received support from 94 people, many of whom had a story to tell about how the cause resonated with them and mental health issues within their own families and friends.

“One of my supporters made this comment: glad to see you are standing up for mental health,” notes Humphreys. “I thought that was rather catchy.”