Community invited to Walk for HOPE

The community is invited to Walk for HOPE today.

The annual walk across the Long Bridge on Sunday, Sept. 3, aims to promote suicide awareness, hope and healing, organizers said. This year, there will be both in-person and virtual events for the walk, which begins at 5 p.m.

The walk is sponsored by Hold On Pain Ends, a non-profit that works to bring speakers to connect and guide youth and raise awareness about suicide

Those who want to take part in the in-person event, should meet at Dog Beach (at the north end of the Long Bridge) in advance of the walk's 5 p.m. start time. Walk-ins are welcome, just allow time to register.

Those who prefer a virtual option can walk the bridge on their own — or choose their own path — any time on the day of the event.

The annual walk is a great way to get that message out — that everyone matters and that there is always tomorrow no matter how bad the problems may seem or the struggles everyone goes through.

The cost is $25 for adults and $20 for youth. T-shirts will be given to all registered walkers with scholarships available upon request. In addition, the group hands out bright blue bracelets — each with a secret message, each capable of saving a life.

On the outside are the words “smile” and “Hold On Pain Ends” — the words behind the group’s name. On the inside, however, is a lifeline for everyone: “Crisis? Text 741-741” — the Suicide Prevention text line.

At the end of the walk there will be music and food for a time for participants to connect.

Information: walkforhopesandpoint.org