Local first-responders take on the Push-Up Challenge

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The Altona Police Service (APS) is thrilled with the support and participation of the community during last month’s Push-Up Challenge.

The event was an initiative of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), pushing Canadians to get fit, have fun, and learn about mental health while raising funds for related programming.

 From Feb. 1-23, over 49 million Canadians challenged themselves to complete 2,000 push-ups for the 20 per cent of Canadians who experience mental illness each year.

The 2024 event ended on a high note, with more than 40 million push-ups and over $2 million dollars raised across the country.

Cst. Tristan Fournier-Jones was the captain of the 11-member Team APS, which included not only members of the force but reached into the community as well, with Town of Altona staff and local residents joining in.

Initially, Fournier-Jones was drawn to the idea as a way for first responders to support mental health, as they frequently deal with people who are in mental crisis. 

“It really looked doable and fun,” he said, adding it was “a great way to get the community involved and talking about the subject and bring awareness.”

People began donating even before the challenge officially began; it took less than 24 hours for Team APS to reach their target of $500.

In the end, they collected $1,535 for CMHA and completed 21,687 push-ups.

Also exceeding their $500 goal was the Altona fire department, whose eight-person team raised $565 and did 14,193 push-ups.

Lori Penner
Lori Penner
Reporter, Altona Rhineland Voice. A journalist since 1997, Lori Penner believes everyone has a story to tell. Growing up in rural Manitoba, she has a heart for small town news, covering local and regional issues and events, with a love for people and their communities, pride in their accomplishments, concern for their challenges, and a heart for the truth. Manitoba’s Flood of the Century acted as a springboard for her career in journalism. Sharing the tragedy and determination of those who battled and survived “the Raging Red” spawned a life-long fascination for human-interest stories, earning her top industry awards in topics ranging from business, politics, agriculture, and health, to history, education, and community events. She was honoured to receive the MCNA Reporter of the Year award in 2019. As well, Penner’s personal column, Don’t Mind the Mess has appeared in publications across Western Canada. With 26 years of experience as a columnist, reporter, photographer, and as an editor of several rural newspapers, Penner has interviewed people from all walks of life, and is committed to sharing the news that impacts and reflects the values, concerns, and goals of the communities she covers.

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