ON June 16, Surrey-based Sachin Latti, a former Canadian Border Services Agency Officer, will be hitting the Victoria, BC start line with purpose for Sach In Motion, a 7,500km, 80-day cross-Canada run for mental health.

Planning to run 100km daily, Sachin is less focused on beating a speed record and instead committed to maximizing community engagement throughout the journey, while aiming to raise $1 million dollars and enhancing awareness for all elements of mental health.

Latti is dedicated to starting dialogues about various components of mental health, including men’s mental health, a more stigmatized challenge where, of the estimated 4,000 suicide deaths in Canada each year, close to 75 per cent are men. Mental health amongst children and youth is another vital focus area.

By age 25, approximately 1 in 5 Canadians are diagnosed with a mental illness, with 70% experiencing symptoms before age 18. First responders and veterans are another demographic facing disproportionate mental health challenges with 44.5 pre cent of Canadian public safety professionals screening positive for one or more mental health disorders. In addition, more than one third of Canadian veterans report a mental health problem.

Latti turned his personal struggles into purpose, pushing his personal limits for the cross-country journey. After serving 18 years with the Canada Border Services Agency, Latti experienced his own mental health challenges, transitioning from law enforcement to an ultra-endurance athlete and marathoner with a mission.

“This journey supports a cause that hits close to home and where every kilometre run, dollar raised, and conversation started helps to break down dangerous stigmas surrounding mental health,” says Latti. “My success is measured in lives touched, funds raised, and awareness created for a health challenge that more than five million Canadians face daily.”

Having raised close to $100,000 to date, Latti will donate run funds to a variety of Canadian organizations that support mental health and related substance use challenges. These include Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, Together We Can, Their Opportunity, Wounded Warriors Canada, and Jack.org.

Latti stresses that being the first person of colour to accomplish this feat is meaningful and that he feels honoured to follow in the steps of hero Terry Fox, building on his incredible legacy. Although long distance running for a cause is not unique, running across this vast country is a uniquely Canadian expression of grit, determination, and a symbol of hope.

Sach In Motion is designed to be a movement for mental health that welcomes Canadians to become involved throughout his journey. Canadians can engage with the movement by donating funds, tracking Latti’s progress via an interactive online map that turns spectators into participants, following the run in real-time, and joining Latti for part of his run as he reaches various communities.

Thanks to Meridian RV, an official Sach In Motion branded RV will follow the expedition, a rest and support vehicle for Latti, but also an additional symbol of the movement where engagement opportunities will activate in various communities across the country throughout the run.

Canadians are encouraged to think about those close to them who face mental health challenges and to follow Latti’s progress online. Supporters can become involved by coming out to encourage Latti when he runs through their community, run alongside him, and participate in the ongoing social media dialogue via @sach.in.motion and hashtag #Sachinmotion.

Donations can be made via the official website, Sach In Motion.