If there’s one word that really hit its peak in 2020, it’s the word “virtual.” In the spirit of keeping our communities healthy and safe, many organizations are turning to virtual options in lieu of in-person events. The Sharing Hope Walk to Prevent Suicide officially joined the list after its board made the difficult decision to opt for a virtual walk this fall. The organization – a partnership between Prevent Suicide Chippewa Valley and NAMI Chippewa Valley – was established in 2018 with the goal of educating and providing the community with resources related to mental illness and suicide. But the biggest goal is to provide hope. This event has always been supported by free-will donations, with 100% of the proceeds going toward efforts right here in the Chippewa Valley. Sharing Hope has raised a whopping $50,000 since its establishment. The 2020 Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 6-12. This year, participants are invited to complete their own one-mile contemplative walk at any time and place during that seven-day window. Participants are also encouraged to share a photo to the Sharing Hope Facebook page – selfies, group photos, photos of loved ones, pictures of nature, favorite quotes, words of encouragement, whatever feels right – and add to the “Virtual Wall of Hope.” Donations (which are always welcome) can be made via Venmo to @Sharing-Hope or mailed to Prevent Suicide Chippewa Valley, P.O. Box 2, Eau Claire, WI 54702.

More information about Sharing Hope can be found at sharinghopechippewavalley.org or their Facebook at www.facebook.com/chippewavalley.