Gala raises $17K for veterans and first responders struggling with mental illness

A Friday night event raised $17,000 to support critical mental health initiatives for veterans and first responders.

The Luke Cyr Foundation's March to the Light Charity Gala took place at the the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 25, in Sault Ste. Marie.

Funds raised will go towards two vital charities: The Robbie Dean Counselling Centre and The Caddie School for Soldiers.

Find the full news release below: 

In an evening filled with heartfelt stories of resilience and hope, The Luke Cyr Foundation's March to the Light Charity Gala raised over $17,000 to support critical mental health initiatives for veterans and first responders. Held on Friday, November 1, 2024, at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 25, in Sault Ste. Marie, the evening brought together a compassionate crowd of supporters and sponsors to shed light on mental health challenges, particularly for those battling PTSD.

The event was hosted by The Luke Cyr Foundation, with the funds raised going towards two vital charities: The Robbie Dean Counselling Centre (https://www.robbiedeancentre.com) and The Caddie School for Soldiers (https://caddieschoolforsoldiers.com). This year’s gold sponsor was Algoma Steel Inc., with IPC Securities and Donnelly Group PWM as silver and bronze sponsors, respectively. Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 25, generously provided the venue for the gala.

The evening opened with an powerful segment from the documentary Par for the Course: A Soldier’s Journey (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGm-fUDK7cM), where Luke Cyr, founder of The Luke Cyr Foundation, candidly discussed his darkest moments, including his battle with depression and PTSD, leading up to his near attempt on his life. This moving start set the tone for an evening focused on resilience, healing, and community support.

Sergeant Shawn Cyr, a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and the event’s emcee, followed the documentary with his own heartfelt story. He spoke openly about his struggles with PTSD, the difficult path to acceptance, and his ongoing journey towards improved mental health. His vulnerability underscored the evening’s theme of recovery and the importance of seeking help.

A video message from veteran Melissa Ogilvie touched the audience, as she spoke about her husband, veteran Steve Ogilive, and their battle with Steve’s mental health challenges. Melissa recounted their years of struggle, recalling the moment she realized, “Steve was hurting, and something needed to be done. I didn’t want to cover it up anymore.” She described how, after making the difficult decision to have him removed from their home, both of them worked through their struggles individually. When Steve returned home, things began to improve—and their progress accelerated after he attended The Caddie School for Soldiers. “It really turned everything around,” she said. Her message of compassion and understanding towards those facing mental health challenges was powerful: “Look at it as they have a sickness, and it’s not their fault. We can all change.”

Steve Ogilvie then shared his journey in two video segments. The first highlighted his experience at The Caddie School for Soldiers, a program that helped him emerge for the darkness. He recounted how participating in the course helped him regain confidence and self-worth: “I looked at myself in the mirror one morning, and it was nothing but positive praise for myself. ‘Well done, Steve Ogilvie. Look where you were and look where you are today.’ It was remarkable.” The second video paid tribute to The Luke Cyr Foundation’s mission, acknowledging how the foundation had been a lifeline for many, including himself. “The work that Luke has put forward to raise awareness for mental health is remarkable. We are saving lives one day at a time, and that’s all that matters.”

In a moving moment, Shawn introduced Luke Cyr and Steve Ogilvie as “two of the greatest comebacks ever,” accompanied by the 49th Field Regiment Pipes and Drums, playing them in to “Scotland the Brave.” The two men entered the room to cheers and applause, exchanging handshakes and hugs with the crowd. Luke expressed his deep gratitude to everyone present, acknowledging that their support was the driving force behind the foundation’s efforts. “You are The Luke Cyr Foundation,” he said, a sentiment that resonated with the room.

As the evening progressed, Luke celebrated several successful fundraising initiatives held earlier in the year, including the Family Pizza Night hosted by Domino’s Pizza in Petawawa, a fundraiser social at Route 19 Brewing in Inverness, NS, and the Embrace the Light Charity Golf Tournament. These events helped propel the foundation’s work forward, raising vital funds for its partner organizations.

Monique Yashinskie, founder of The Robbie Dean Counselling Centre, was next to speak. She shared the centre’s mission to provide free mental health services to residents of Renfrew County, supporting over 1,500 people each year. Luke then presented an emotional Monique with a cheque for $17,500 to support the Centre’s ongoing work. An equal amount will also be donated to The Caddie School for Soldiers at a future event, marking another significant step forward for the foundation’s efforts.

The night culminated with a major announcement from Luke Cyr himself. In a video, Luke revealed his plans to take his commitment to the next level: “Starting in May of 2025 through to October, I will be donating every dollar I earn as a caddie to my foundation, walking from Inverness to my hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, a distance of roughly 2,400 km.” This bold initiative will see Luke tracking every step he takes caddying, with all proceeds going directly to The Luke Cyr Foundation. He encouraged everyone to join him in this journey—whether by donating, following along at https://lukecyrfoundation.org, engaging with the foundation’s social media channels, or visiting Cabot Cape Breton to have him as their caddie. “Generosity and greatness will walk side by side, one step at a time, in an effort to help those escape the darkness and return to the light.”

With over $17,000 raised and a powerful vision for the future, the March to the Light Charity Gala was an inspiring event, filled with stories of perseverance, healing, and hope. The work of The Luke Cyr Foundation continues to make a profound impact on the lives of veterans, first responders, and their families, giving them the chance to embrace the light once more.

The evening ended on a hopeful note, with Luke Cyr’s powerful vision for the future underscoring the foundation's mission. The Luke Cyr Foundation continues to make a profound impact, giving veterans, first responders, and their families a chance to step out of the darkness and embrace the light. To support their cause, visit https://lukecyrfoundation.org and help make a difference.