The Push-Up Challenge and Canadian Mental Health Association rally to push for better mental health this February
VANCOUVER, BC (February 6, 2025): This February, the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division (CMHA BC) is encouraging people across BC 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, or an alternative exercise, to raise awareness and funds for mental health. This number represents the ~2,000 lives lost to suicide each day, worldwide.
“This challenge is a powerful opportunity for people to learn about mental health, connect with community, and champion change,” says Maria Weaver, Associate Director for Suicide Prevention and Life Promotion at CMHA BC. “Mental health affects us all. Together, we can speak up and break down stigma, so no one has to face their challenges alone.”
The event begins on February 11th and runs for 18 days. 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 is a free event, and fundraising is optional. Participants can choose to fundraise and support the Canadian Mental Health Association.
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 alternative exercises. Progress can be tracked through logging progress through a dedicated app which also allows you to easily fundraise and see how your mates are going with the event.
The Push-Up Challenge has been taking place in Australia for the past 8 years, with over 700,000 participants completing 1.2 billion push-ups and raising over $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 over 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 www.ThePushUpChallenge.ca
If you are experiencing emotional distress, thoughts of harming yourself, or thoughts of suicide, crisis lines are available 24/7. Text or call 9-8-8 from anywhere in Canada or call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) in BC.
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 11-28 February 2025. For more information and to register, visit www.thepushupchallenge.ca
About the Canadian Mental Health Association
Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health federation in Canada. Through a presence in more than 330 communities across every province and the Yukon. CMHA provides advocacy, programs and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive. For more information, please visit www.cmha.ca.
Media contact:
CMHA BC Media
604-353-8159
Media@cmha.bc.ca