Mike Lalande’s family is planning a golf tournament in his memory to raise money for mental health services. The Kemptville native took his own life in November. He was 26-years-old.
Mike’s sister, Amanda Fitzgerald, says the reason she is doing this is not only to celebrate her brother’s life but also to create awareness. She says it’s time to overcome the stigma and get people talking.
Mike started showing signs of mental illness at the age of 14, according to Fitzgerald. He faced a series of triggers over the next decade, starting with breaking his back during hockey tryouts, moving away from home for his post-secondary education and losing his mother in 2016.
The golf tournament is set for June 1 at the Prescott Golf Club. There are still spots open for teams and individuals. Dinner only tickets are also available. For more information, check out the ML Memorial Golf Tourney event page on Facebook or email [email protected].
Every dollar raised will go towards the Mental Health Hub initiative at the Kemptville District Hospital.
Fitzgerald says she hopes to run the tournament annually. She says if she can turn a negative into a positive by helping other people, she’ll do it. Fitzgerald says she doesn’t want anyone to feel the pain her family is feeling right now.