When Vernon golfer Brady Stead was competing in Europe seven years ago, his dream was to reach the European Tour.
But one call changed that dream, and set Stead on a new path.
He was told his cousin died by suicide. To support mental health initiatives during his time in Europe, Stead started wearing a green ribbon on his hat to raise awareness about mental health and the challenges associated with it.
Since the day of the call, Stead has lost friends and colleagues who struggled with their mental health.
Two years ago, in 2023, Stead – now a teaching professional at the Ledgeview Golf Club in Abbotsford – launched the Stedy Golf Teach-a-thon for Mental Health, where he would teach lessons from dawn to dusk with 100 per cent of the lessons revenue, along with donations, going to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). He has raised nearly $10,000 to provide help and hope to those struggling with mental illness.
Stead's initiative is growing.
The PGA of BC, CMHA and Stead are introducing the 2025 Teach-a-thon for Mental Health. What's new, is that all PGA of BC professionals can join the Teach-a-thon for Mental Health and change the lives of people in their local community living with mental health challenges.
"The expanded program builds on Brady’s original vision, allowing PGA of BC Professionals across the province to host their own Teach-a-thon events in support of CMHA," said the PGA of BC in a release.
For Stead, seeing the initiative embraced by his peers is both humbling and motivating, as it transforms a personal cause into a collective effort with the potential for far greater reach and impact.
"It's a very rewarding feeling seeing the Teach-a-thon for Mental Health morph into a province-wide initiative," he said. "It all stems from my fellow professionals reaching out wanting to get involved. I couldn't be more thankful for their encouragement and desire to take action.
"The PGA of BC and CMHA staff have been instrumental in lifting this off the ground. Hopefully, this is the beginning of something that will make a large and lasting impact in our province. As PGA of BC Professionals, we can use our platforms to break the stigma around mental health and spark real change in our communities. Whether it’s through fundraising, hosting events or simply being someone who listens, golf can be a place for healing. We as professionals are in a position to lead that charge."
Between Aug. 22 and Sept. 30, pros are being asked to donate some of their time, with all proceeds from golf lesson fees and member donations directed to local Canadian Mental Health Association branches.
Every dollar raised for the local community stays there, and provides vital support to individuals facing mental health challenges.
Antonia Kalmacoff Jennings, senior director, development and communications, CMHA BC, said her organization is grateful for the partnership with the PGA of BC, and for the work Stead has been doing.
"Every CMHA branch has its own unique strengths, priorities, and community needs — so we’re excited to share that funds raised through this year’s Teach-a-thon will support mental health programs that are most needed in each participating community," said Kalmacoff Jennings.
"Some examples of community services could include investing in prevention and early intervention programs for youth, expanding access to community-based crisis supports, strengthening peer-led recovery services for people living with mental health or substance use challenges, or addressing fundamental well-being needs like food security."
To learn more about the 2025 Teach-a-thon for Mental Health, visit https://cmhabc.akaraisin.com/ui/pgagives2025.
