‘Out of the Darkness’ suicide prevention walk on Sunday

Deborah Kendrick and Brooke Marquez

Irvine’s Bill Barber Memorial Park will be hosting it’s sixth annual “Out of the Darkness” community walk, a walk to prevent suicide at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27. This free event is open for participants of all ages.

With this event, the area director is hoping to launch an American Foundation for Suicide Prevention chapter here in Orange County.

“The event this year is to really focus on volunteers support and to start a local chapter,” Area Director Jessica van der Stad said. “Really to ensure that the program stays in the community.”

People that donate will receive incentives, such as free prizes, T-shirts, sweatshirts and more. There will be many different activities for kids. Participants may dedicate a sign, bring a photo of a loved one to add to the Remembrance Tent, as well as pick up Honor Beads to acknowledge a personal connection to the cause.

“Our goal was to have 500 walkers and to raise $50,000,” van der Stad said. “We are just at that $50,000 mark as of today (Wednesday, Oct. 23) and we have well over 500 walkers already signed up.”

For more information on how you can get involved visit outofthedarkness.org.

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