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Suicide prevention relay from Port Hardy to the Peninsula is under way

The relay’s mission is to promote suicide prevention across Vancouver Island.
Staff Writer
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Kelly Paul gets a hug following the first HELISET HALE relay for suicide prevention among the Island's First Nations communities

SIDNEY — A team of six runners known by the name HELISET HALE Relay team are running this week to promote a message of suicide prevention among Vancouver Island First Nations communities.

It’s the second relay, started in 2013 by Tsawout member Kelly Paul, who is once again running. The team will split the distance between the athletes over a period of nine days. HELISET HALE started in Port Hardy Sept. 17 and makes its way down the Island to finish at Pauquachin First Nation in North Saanich on Sept. 25, stopping in First Nation communities and schools along the route.

The relay’s mission “is to promote suicide prevention across Vancouver Island by gathering first nation communities together to openly speak about suicide, and to bring healing to those that have lost loved ones.”

The team will be visiting First Nation communities and schools to share their personal story and messages of hope and healing.

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