An annual pumpkin picking festival in Chatham-Kent is raising money to help support those struggling with mental health.
Pumpkin Fest kicks off in Dresden on Saturday with all proceeds generated from the sale of pumpkins being donated to No One Stands Alone, which is a non-profit initiative that provides free mental health resource guides in Lambton County and Chatham-Kent.
Debb Pitel founded No One Stands Alone a year ago and said she hopes the booklets will help those struggling with mental health connect with the local resources and supports they need.
“No one else has ever put it in a book. No one else has ever provided an opportunity to pick it up free in our community and hand it to a person in need, or be able to find what they need accurately and quickly to connect them with the professionals,” she said.
Pitel, who tragically lost her son to suicide in 2001, said there are separate booklets for Chatham-Kent and Lambton County, which are made available in public places throughout both regions.
“This was a booklet that I never had [and] that the average person struggles to find when they’re in crisis,” she said. “Long before they’re in crisis, what they do need is an easy access to all resources.”
The second annual Pumpkin Fest will take from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Cameron family farm located at 25805 Centre Side Road in Dresden. The event will feature live music and a costume contest, along with food and drinks provided by local sponsors.
Pitel said local residents are encouraged to come out to choose a pumpkin and support a great cause at the same time.