Meet the Team
Together, we strive to break the stigma surrounding mental health.
Through each initiative, our passionate team of students is dedicated to shedding light on the realities surrounding mental health, by fostering open and honest conversations. We believe that no one should face these challenges alone. That's why we continue to build a support network, collaborating and partnering with organizations that specialize in youth mental health. Our aim is to provide tailored resources for treatment, for both individuals and their families.
​
Together, we are forging a path forward where every young person feels safe to speak up and seek help, free of judgment, and surrounded by a community that truly cares. ​
​
Matthew Turner
Founder of
Step into Light
" Every journey begins with a single step."
​​
Everest Base Camp Campaign
​
Every journey starts with one single step, but I will be taking thousands of them as I climb to Everest Base Camp.
I am embarking on this challenge not only for the adventure, but also to shine a light on an issue that affects so many young people: depression and mental illness, a cause that matters deeply to me.
​
My dream is that no other friend or family have to suffer the loss of someone they love to suicide.
That is why I am raising funds for The Tide Project of the Douglas Mental Health Foundation.
​​
My goal: $100,000
Cole Velan
​“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” ​​
​
Step into Light ​
Contributor
​
Our greatest achievements come from conquering our own limitations. That is why I have joined the team.
1 in 5 young Canadians struggles with mental health issues!
That’s not just a number—it’s our classmates, our friends, and even ourselves. Look around you and think about that. Yet, the stigma around mental health keeps too many from speaking up or seeking help.
​
Through Step Into Light, we are working to build a supportive network with partners and organizations that specialize in youth mental health.
​
Together, we can make a change.
James Cytrynbaum
“Mountains are silent masters and make silent students.” – Goethe
Step into Light ​
Contributor
Using movement as a metaphor for mental health—every step forward represents the journey to healing. Taking that first step to ask for help can feel overwhelming, but just like running, progress happens one step at a time.
​
This initiative is about demonstrating resilience, sparking conversations, and raising funds to support early intervention through TIDE (Treatment Interrupts Depression Early), in partnership with the Douglas Foundation.
At our age, Depression significantly disrupts education and affects our personal development. Early intervention is crucial to prevent detrimental long-term effects.
​
Step into Light is driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to mental health resources and a supportive network that no longer stigmatizes mental health, but rather offers a compassionate, open and caring space for youth to emerge healthier and happier in building their futures. Born out of tragedy, Step into Light hopes that no one else is faced with the loss caused by suicide. It is time to shed light on a path forward.