Northern Ont. firefighter honours brother’s legacy on World Suicide Prevention Day

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Grassroots Ont. charity nets nearly $1M to aid suicide prevention initiatives

Free suicide prevention workshops being offered

As Wade Ringler walked along the Lake Nipissing waterfront path Wednesday morning, he looked out at the waves and the flowers that lined his path. Not a day goes by that the firefighter from North Bay, Ont., doesn’t think about his late brother Chad.

“Chad and I were best friends. He was my big brother,” Ringler said.

“I knew Chad was struggling.”

Chad, also a firefighter for 27 years, lost his battle with mental illness when he took his life in January 2023 at the age of 47.

“He gave a lot to this community through the fire service and minor hockey and sports,” Ringler added.

A global day of remembrance and action

Wednesday marked World Suicide Prevention Day, a time when people in Canada and across the world stand up for suicide prevention efforts and remember and celebrate loved ones who have died by suicide.

After his brother’s passing, Ringler knew he could help save others in their fight. He founded Chat4Chad, a grassroots charity dedicated to bringing awareness and resources to those who need it most. Since March 2023, the organization has raised close to $1 million for local and regional suicide prevention initiatives.

“It’s been successful because everyone is touched in one way or another by mental health,” Ringler said.

The stark reality of suicide in Canada

According to Statistics Canada, approximately 4,500 people in Canada die by suicide every year, equivalent to 12 people a day. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults.

“We’re trying to make it okay and normal to talk and give people the confidence to step forward and have the conversation,” Ringler said.

“If you don’t show it, people don’t know and it’s really hard to get help that way.”

Tangible support through the Wrap Fund

Proceeds from the first Chat4Chad gala in 2023 helped establish a ‘Wrap Fund’ at the North Bay Regional Health Centre. This special fund addresses direct needs for patients with little or no available funds to support activities that promote recovery, such as winter clothing, bus tickets and equipment for physical activity.

Tammy Morison, the hospital foundation president, emphasized the fund’s importance.

Morison added that the project’s comprehensive approach to wellbeing plays a vital role in stabilizing and supporting patients toward their recovery.

Expanding impact: Renovations and programs

A year later, Chat4Chad raised over $250,000 and disbursed funds to several organizations, including a $126,000 donation to the hospital. This funding supported projects like the relocation of the Assertive Community Treatment Team to Northern Pines to be closer to clients and patients needing support. The hospital also renovated patient lounges at its Birch Maple Lodge and in the Acute Inpatient Psychiatry Unit.

“It has comfortable seating, computer resources for patients to use, television for their relaxation time,” Morison said.

“Prior to its renovation, if you’re walking by the lounge there it would be empty because it wasn’t a comfortable, supportive space.”

Looking ahead: Future initiatives and services

For the 2025 gala, Chat4Chad committed more than $50,000 to fund several patient-facing mental health initiatives and capital purchases, including music therapy, sensory items, an indoor therapy garden and smudging kits.

Additionally, with the help of Chat4Chad, the Canadian Mental Health Association North Bay and District is offering two free prevention and postvention services. One is an eight-week support group for suicide grief, starting on Oct. 21, designed to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. The other is a half-day workshop called SafeTALK for those 18 and older, scheduled for Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., which teaches participants to recognize the signs of suicide risk.

Registrations are currently open for both of the free services.

A legacy of compassion and community

“Chad would be so proud of our community,” Ringler said, reflecting on the outpouring of support.

He told CTV News that he is delighted knowing his brother’s legacy is helping people with similar mental health struggles.

“The support that’s been shown, I know he’s smiling down,” Ringler said, adding he knows that wherever he goes, Chad will always be there with him.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, here are some resources that are available.

Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline (Call or text 988)

Crisis Services Canada (Call 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645)

Kids Help Phone (Call 1-800-668-6868)

If you need immediate assistance, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.