By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Capillary Wave Community held an awareness walk and fundraiser entitled Peer to Pier (P2P) on June 7, in which participants travelled from one end of Spencer Smith Park to the other and back again.
The event was meant to shine a spotlight on men’s mental health and bring together community partners who offer support to those who are struggling with mental illness.
According to a press release, funds raised from the walk will go towards “weekly men’s mental health support groups, outreach initiatives across Halton Region and programs for men facing isolation, stress, and life transitions.”
Nelson Borges, CEO and founder of Capillary Wave, spoke about the importance of the event in his speech.
“Today isn’t just a walk, it’s about awareness,” Borges said. “It’s about support. And honestly, it’s about letting people know that they don’t have to carry everything alone.”
Borges spoke about his own struggle with depression and anxiety, which prompted him to start Capillary Wave.
He noted that men are often taught not to acknowledge their struggles and keep their feelings inside.
“Let me assure you, men, at the end of the run, there are no trophies for doing that,” Borges continued. “No awards and no recognition for carrying the weight of the world by yourself. That’s why Capillary Wave Community was created: to help unload the weight.”
Since its inception in 2024, Capillary Wave has grown from five members to more than 350, which, according to the press release, “highlights both the urgent need and overwhelming demand for accessible men’s mental health support.”
“Every person walking here today is helping chip away at the stigma around mental health,” Borges said. “You’re showing people that asking for help isn’t weakness. Showing emotion isn’t weakness. Talking isn’t weakness. It’s human. And honestly, strength isn’t pretending everything’s fine all the time. Real strength is being honest when it’s not.”
According to the press release, “less than 1% of government funding is currently allocated specifically to men’s mental health.”
Among the community groups in attendance were Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services, Burlington Helping Burlington, the Centre for Diverse Learners, Burlington Dads, and Feed Halton.
Krista Kay, director of marketing and fund development for Feed Halton, spoke about why Feed Halton supports initiatives like P2P.
“We know that vulnerable populations are very often the most affected by food insecurity,” Kay explained. “A lot of mental health is intersected with other issues like food security, poverty, and housing, so that’s why we’re here.”
Kay said that events like this are important because many residents may not be aware of the supports that are available to them.
“It’s a good way for folks to get to know who’s supporting the community,” Kay added. “There are a lot of organizations doing a ton of really great work in the areas of mental health and wellness.”
Mayoral candidates Lisa Kearns and Rory Nisan, Ward 2 and 3 councillors respectively, were also in attendance.
Kearns spoke at the event, describing a yellow bench highlighting mental health supports that was recently installed on the pier by Distress Centre Halton, which was also present at the walk.
“It’s a signal in our community to let everyone know that they are not alone,” Kearns said. “And that sometimes you just need a place to go, a place to sit, a place to feel seen, a place to feel connected. And that is one of the physical ways to show that.”
Burlington MPP Natalie Pierre also gave a speech to participants and spoke about the upgrading of the Mental Health Ward at Joseph Brant Hospital.
“We’re going to receive a new, modern, state-of-the-art Mental Health and Addictions unit,” Pierre said, noting that the community has been asking for it “for about 20 years.”
She continued, “I’m very proud that we will see that new unit come online next year. There will also be a brand-new outpatient mental health unit. And we’re also building the first Child and Youth Mental Health Day-Hospital in Burlington as well.”
Halfway through the walk, a member of the Burlington Dads group, who lost his father to suicide, honoured all men who lost their lives battling with mental illness.
While Borges said he was very proud of the work Capillary Wave has done so far, he still isn’t satisfied.
“For me, the work always continues,” Borges said. “We’ve got guys that are great success stories, but then we’ve got guys that are starting day one. So for me, it’s kind of riding that wave of being really happy for the guys, but then here comes the next group. So I’m just kind of even-keeled with it, really.”
Borges noted that a Capillary Wave group for young adults aged 18 to 28 is currently in the works, as well as an additional men’s group located in Beamsville.
To find out more about Capillary Wave, click here.
