SANDRA AND DOUG RANTON

Doug and Sandra lost their beautiful son Jacob to suicide on December 23rd, 2014 at the age of 20. In an effort to give their son a voice, a voice that he wasn’t able to use, they are working with the Waterloo Suicide Prevention Council (WRSPC) to try to reduce the impact of suicide on our community. This year will mark the 4th year that they have organized the Jacob Ranton Memorial Basketball Tournament. Their goal is to encourage people to realize that it is “OK to not be OK”. However, by opening up and telling someone, they can, with the right supports, learn to thrive again. To date, the tournament has raised over $110,000 to support the WRSPC in the amazing work they do.

CHRISTINE STRONG

Christine is a third year student at the University of Waterloo studying Social Development through Renison, and specializing in Social Work and Social Policy/Social Action. Mental Wellness has always been close to her heart as she has had experiences herself, as well as with family and friends. She looks forward to sharing her story about how these issues have impacted her life and how she's been able to move forward and reach out.