Former Firefighter Walks Across Manitoba to Raise Mental Health Awareness

A former Winnipeg firefighter, Andrew Cherkas, is undertaking a significant trek across Manitoba to raise awareness and funds for mental health issues affecting firefighters. Cherkas began his journey from the Saskatchewan border earlier this week and has already made his way through towns including Virden, Oak Lake, and Brandon. His mission is to reach the Ontario border before his holidays conclude on September 24, 2023.

Cherkas, who currently works with the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting department at Canadian Base Operators, is not alone on this journey. He has received support from colleagues, including Clyde McCallum, the Carberry Fire Chief, and Mike Sudak, an instructor at the Manitoba Emergency Services College. Together, they aim to shine a light on the mental health challenges faced by first responders.

Cherkas’ motivation for this trek is deeply personal. Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 2021, he has experienced the devastating effects of mental health struggles, including suicidal thoughts. His walk serves as a tribute to fellow firefighter Preston Heinbinger, who tragically died by suicide in June 2014 after battling similar issues.

“I just came up with the idea to try to raise some awareness for the guys and girls suffering in silence,” Cherkas shared during his walk along the Trans-Canada Highway. His initiative aims to raise funds to send firefighters to a resilience treatment program in British Columbia, which costs approximately $5,300 per participant. So far, he has successfully raised around $12,300, enough to fund two participants this year.

The impact of Cherkas’ efforts is already visible. The United Firefighters of Winnipeg have increased their sponsorship for Manitoba firefighters from six to eight spots in the treatment program, a direct result of the funds raised through this initiative. Donations are directed to the Preston Heinbinger Memorial Fund, which is managed by the Winnipeg Foundation and aims to establish a treatment facility in Manitoba.

Community support has been pivotal in this journey. The Southport Aerospace Centre, where Cherkas is employed, contributed $5,000 to kick-start the fundraising efforts. Cherkas noted that this amount alone can enable the participation of one firefighter in the program, which could ultimately benefit many others.

From Brandon, Cherkas plans to cover between 40 to 50 kilometers a day, moving eastward toward Douglas. His upcoming route will take him through Austin, McGregor, Portage la Prairie, and Winnipeg before concluding at Falcon Lake and finally reaching the Ontario border.

The cause resonates with many who join him along the way. Mike Sudak emphasized the importance of addressing mental health among first responders, stating, “These brave men and women are there on people’s worst days. Sometimes what comes with that is witnessing horrific incidents. Firefighters need the tools to talk and get help, not only to live full lives but to stay in a ready mental state for their duty to the community.”

As Cherkas marks a quarter of the way through his trek, he remains dedicated to completing his journey and ensuring that the message of mental health awareness continues to spread across Manitoba.