The "Victor Walk" rally takes place this evening at the Ukrainian bandshell in Portage la Prairie's Island Park. Jordan Friesen, Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association Central Region, says there'll be local musicians and dancers on hand to provide the live entertainment and food vendors will be available if you'd like to enjoy a lemonade and a hot dog. He notes their special guest speaker is Theo Fleury, who will share his message of recovery from childhood trauma. Friesen explains that trauma is a situation which is out of your control and which results in a complete loss of your personal sense of safety and well-being. He adds Theo is focused on sexual abuse as something that caused trauma in his life. Friesen says we also hear about trauma in terms of first responders and the experiences they face, noting it can affect their health later on.

He adds Theo's message is about not just being a victim of trauma and abuse, but about moving from becoming a victim to a survivor and then a victor. Friesen says when you achieve victory over your experiences you can become an advocate, noting the message is about hope and moving forward with your life. He adds the rally in the park this evening is for everyone, not just survivors of trauma, because this is an important issue for the entire community. Friesen says when we understand the impact of trauma, then we can have a much better understanding of where people are coming from and can perhaps be a bit more sensitive to the things other folks have gone through.

He notes there's no charge for this event and everyone is welcome. Friesen adds there will be an opportunity to give a donation if you feel led to do so to support CMHA and Theo Fleury's cause, but admission is free. He says Theo will be around to sign autographs and take photos, and you can even buy a souvenir puck for just two bucks and have Theo sign that as well.