Ray Berg has begun his effort for the Journey of Hope, a fundraising event organized by the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society (MSS).
Throughout the summer, Berg plans to canvas homes and businesses around Flin Flon and Creighton to raise money for mental health and schizophrenia-related programs.
Berg’s main inspiration for the donation drive is his girlfriend, who lives in Winnipeg. Berg said she lives with paranoid schizophrenia.
Before moving back to Flin Flon, Berg began doing pledge drives for the MSS, going door to door to raise money.
He joked that he tried to seek out people in richer neighbourhoods, thinking they would donate more.
In the first year, Berg and his girlfriend raised $2,800.
After moving back to Flin Flon full time, Berg continued his efforts, increasing his efforts over both of the past two summers. Last year, he raised $3,600 for the MSS.
This year, with more than two months left before the walk, Berg said he has already raised $1,100 in pledges by reaching out to businesses.
“I try to phone every business in Flin Flon and ask them if they’re interested in making pledges. I get out the phone books and go to Flin Flon and Creighton to get pledges from everywhere I can,” he said.
Berg’s pledge drive will be made easier this year due to a nagging injury healing up. Over the past two years, Berg has dealt with a lingering foot ailment that has hampered his on-foot canvassing efforts.
On further inspection, Berg said he had fractures in his ankle and toes and had to wear a special walking boot while everything healed. After an appointment with a neurologist – Berg has been diagnosed with epilepsy – the coast for his summer project appears clear.
“This year, I don’t think there’s going to be any setbacks,” he said.
“If I could make $5,000, that would be great.”
