Into the Summit
for Mental Health and Wellness
An operational stress injury (OSI) is any ongoing psychological difficulty that has arisen from duties performed during service.
It can manifest as a range of health problems such as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, substance use or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as well as other conditions that interfere with daily functioning.
There are many events that are part of the risk of serving in the military that can cause such injuries. An OSI can also affect others in the person's life, leading to marital and family problems, and can even produce physical symptoms such as stomach upset, headaches, and sleep problems, as well as chronic pain.
Effective mental health treatment requires a holistic approach in order to have long term benefit. Programs that encompass various modalities and approaches to treatment are incorporated as an adjunct to traditional clinical practice.
Examples of programs that are effective in providing treatment are:
- Recreational and Outdoor Programs
- EMDR Therapies
- Bio feedback Programs
- Virtual Simulation
- Canine Therapy
- Equine Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Peer Support Programs
- Family Support Networks
- Trauma Sensitive Therapy Programs
- Transition Services Programs
2025 Into the Summit Fundraisers
This Event has Raised $ so far!
Meet all of our incredible fundraising participants. You can track their progress live and make your donations right here with a credit card via paypal.
You will also receive a tax receipt from the Hamilton Gault Memorial Fund for any donation over $20 (sent to the address listed in your donation).
Please Note: Credit card payments are processed via PayPal but a PayPal account is not required.
$425
$1,000
The Missing Soldier
My Goal: $1000.00
| A recent tradition in military mess dinners is the toast to fallen comrades. The small table set for one that is off on its own - it is reserved to honour our fallen comrades in arms. This symbolizes that they are with us, here in spirit. We should never forget the brave men and women who answered our nation's call [to serve] and served the cause of freedom in a special way. This profile is here for those who may wish to donate directly to the Into the Summit campaign. If you do not know a participant but still wish to contribute, please do so here. Your donation helps us greatly. |
Donate for The Missing Soldier
$1,055
$2,000
Alex Gault
My Goal: $2000.00
I've been part of the core team leading the Into the Summit campaigns since the first launch. As a long standing volunteer serving the PPCLI, this fundraising event supporting veterans and their families is my favourite. If interested in learning more about the campaign or the Hamilton Gault Memorial Fund, please contact me directly for more information.
Donate for Alex Gault
$2,710
$4,000
Christian Stenner
My Goal: $4000.00
Caves are complex environments that provide an opportunity to face physical and mental challenges. I have been a participant and leader of the Into the Summit projects since 2016, and this opportunity is another chance to continue to support mental health initiatives for veterans. We have this opportunity to face our own fears while fundraising to support those who need our help, and it is an honour to do so.
Donate for Christian Stenner
$1,525
$1,000
Andrew Mullett
My Goal: $1000.00
I'm a father of two amazing boys and am currently serving with the Canadian Forces. There's nothing I love more than spending time with family. I am not a thrill seeker, but I really do enjoy discovering new things about my province and all it has to offer. I want to raise awareness for mental health because I have witnessed first hand how PTSD can have an effect on someone's life. Please help me and my friends raise awareness on mental health so we all can live a happy and healthy life.
Donate for Andrew Mullett
$239
$1,749
Darren Burnett
My Goal: $1749.00
| I'm excited to be raising funds and awareness for OSI as part of my second "Into the Summit" fundraiser. This cause is especially meaningful to me because my father is a Vietnam Veteran who served with the Australian Army. His experiences, like those of many veterans, highlight the lasting impact of service on mental health. As an Aussie living in Canada, to say I'm at home in the mountains is an understatement. Oddly enough, I'm also at home inside them. |
Donate for Darren Burnett
$1,425
$1,000
Brian Cole
My Goal: $1000.00
I am a 57 year old father of 2 amazing boy, and professional photographer. I enjoy kayaking, hiking and spending my time in the rodeo arenas photographing and capturing the moments for everyone. Mental Health is so important, especially for our veterans and serving member of our Canadian Armed Forces. The will be a true and tough test of my mental toughness, and endurance as this is a dark, damp, and tight environment. I wish to thank you, for all your support and lets see if I can reach my goal.
Donate for Brian Cole
$450
$1,000
Jeanelle Narayan
My Goal: $1000.00
This will be my first descent into Rat’s Nest Cave, and I wanted to make it even more meaningful by joining this impactful campaign. I’m excited to challenge myself in a new environment alongside new friends, all united in supporting the same cause—raising awareness for Occupational Stress Injuries. Mental health affects us all, and fostering a strong, supportive community is something I deeply care about.
Donate for Jeanelle Narayan
$650
$1,000
Ashley Fournier-Montalvo
My Goal: $1000.00
I would like to raise funds to support members with PTSD or who have experienced an occupational stress injury. As a Canadian Armed Forces member, I have friends who have experienced traumas from their deployments which forever changed them. I myself also participated in OSI clinics and experienced first hand the importance of community and support.
Donate for Ashley Fournier-Montalvo
$1,005
$1,000
Mitchell Alma
My Goal: $1000.00
As a current member of the P.P.C.L.I. I am very excited to take part in this event held by the Hamilton Gault Memorial Fund. I’m hoping to raise funds to support currently serving and former member’s mental health. As a new Albertan, I’m excited to see if I like being inside the mountain as much as I enjoy being on top of them.
Mental Health is extremely important to the fitness of our regiment and society as a whole, and any way we can support those suffering is a worthy cause. 2VP, 2nd to none.
Donate for Mitchell Alma
$1,283
$1,000
Solara Muskego
My Goal: $1000.00
Hi, my name is Solara and I want to participate in this because I am in a really good youth program and I think it would be a great chance for me to make more friends. I also have never done anything like this and thought that it would be an amazing experience.
Donate for Solara Muskego
$933
$1,000
Elijah Toloza
My Goal: $1000.00
I’m participating in Into the Summit because I want to experience something new and exciting, while also learning about occupational stress injuries and supporting those who face these challenges. Caving is a unique and powerful way to confront fears, build resilience, and find inner strength—qualities essential for overcoming stress and trauma.
My hope for this event is to connect with others who share similar experiences, challenge myself in a meaningful way, and help raise awareness about the importance of mental health support for those facing occupational stress. By pushing my limits and exploring the depths of the earth, I want to symbolize the journey many of us take when confronting inner struggles, darkness can be daunting, but there’s strength and clarity in facing it head-on.
Donate for Elijah Toloza
$2,105
$5,000
Nate Blackmore
My Goal: $5000.00
Nate Blackmore is a member of 3 PPCLI and a proud supporter of veterans' initiatives. He has participated in this event since 2018, been on the planning committee since 2019, and is excited to see this amazing charitable work continue. If you are reading this and haven't spoken to your friends, family, or colleagues about it, invite them to join us on this amazing adventure for a great cause!
Donate for Nate Blackmore
$1,033
$1,000
Vaughn Rasmussen
My Goal: $1000.00
I want to show my appreciation for the soldiers that put their life on the line to protect our country. I feel that helping veterans with their mental health is part of my duty as a cadet not only that but as a human being once a Patrica always a Patricia!
Donate for Vaughn Rasmussen
$1,183
$1,000
Declan Bremner
My Goal: $1000.00
I am Declan I like food and going on adventures. I want to go caving because it offers a unique opportunity to explore the hidden wonders of nature and challenge myself in a new and exciting environment. The experience of discovering underground landscapes and pushing my physical limits is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’m also eager to help fundraise so others can join me on this adventure and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of caves.
Donate for Declan Bremner
$180
$1,000
Caleigh LePage
My Goal: $1000.00
Hi, I am Caleigh and I am a member of 3 PPCLI. I am participating in this because caving sounds like an awesome opportunity and I love climbing and mountaineering.
I've also seen first hand how OSI can affect people and think it's extremely important to raise awareness. Sometimes even the strongest of us need some encouragement and support to get back on their feet, and we need to learn how to recognize the signs before it's too late.
Donate for Caleigh LePage
$600
$1,000
Isaac Leonard
My Goal: $1000.00
I am from Newfoundland and have been living in Calgary over the past few months. My uncle -- Andrew Mullett -- has taken me hiking up the mountains and is now dragging me underneath them. I am excited to be a part of this worthy cause and hope to do my best to raise money for mental health within the CF. This will be a really cool experience to write home about!
Donate for Isaac Leonard
ON 13 APRIL 2025, OUR ADVENTURERS WILL DESCEND INTO GROTTO MOUNTAIN
Caves are dark, otherworldly environments. Most people have not had the experience of total darkness, moving through difficult terrain.
It’s an unfamiliar world. Like many of those who suffer from occupational stress injuries, they too have found themselves in an unfamiliar place, struggling to navigate the darkness.
Caves are one of the last unexplored frontiers of our planet. Just in 2018, the deepest cave in Canada was confirmed near Fernie, British Columbia.
The cave, named Bisaro Anima, honors Private Torindo Bisaro, a soldier of the Black Watch Regiment who was lost in World War II. The Bisaro Anima cave passages have been named with a military theme and after Battle Honors of the Black Watch.
Participants in Into the Summit for Mental Health will venture into Rat’s Nest Cave in the company of members of the Bisaro Anima cave exploration team.
Our participants are raising funds to participate in this adventure and experience this challenging environment. Each has committed to raising funds by taking pledges to support their participation.
Up to 32 participants will join Canmore Cave Tours on an Exclusive Cave Tour of Rat's Nest Cave. At over 4km long, Rat's Nest Cave is one of the longest caves in Canada and there are no lights, handrails or permanent lights. Exploring Rat's Nest Cave involves climbing, crawling, sliding, wiggling and squeezing through water-worn passages past ancient cave formations and bones. This is the Best Adventure IN the Rockies!
How to Participate
We're down to the home stretch so registration for this event is now closed for this year, but you can still contribute to this important cause by supporting one of our great fundraisers!
Donate Now!
Perks & Requirements
Participants are asked to strive to raise a minimum of $1000.00 in the campaign. We know this is a big ask but it's for a very important cause.
Rest assured though that all of your fundraising hard work will pay off. Not only will you be helping someone who has been affected by OSI, you're going to join Canmore Cave Tours on an adventure of a lifetime.
On April 13th you will be heading underground on an Explorer Cave Tour of Rat's Nest Cave - one of the longest caves in Canada. Even better, the top 16 campaigns will have the opportunity to partake in the Adventure Tour - a 6-hour cave tour including a 16 story rappel.
Your cave tour will include professional guides and all necessary caving equipment. To participate in the cave tour you will need:
- Weather appropriate clothing and footwear.
- A moderate level of fitness
- To sign a liability release waiver
Find out more information about the different tours here.
As a participant in this event, you will also receive:
- An event t-shirt
- A special commemorative challenge coin
- Post event food & beverages
- Lots of kudos
More event details (i.e. start times, meeting place, etc.) will be shared as we get closer to the event.
An independent charitable organization, the HGMF receives charitable and other donations, as well as income from interest and fundraising activities, and expends funds on charitable activities that support the heritage and history of the PPCLI through grants to the Regimental Museum and Archives and funding the maintenance of significant Regimental Memorials; offering student bursaries to members of the Regimental Family; supporting PPCLI affiliated Army Cadet Corps; and providing support to veterans and their families by promoting mental health and providing financial assistance with home modifications due to injuries or disabilities incurred during military service.
Into the Summit for Mental Health and Wellness 2025 is the 5th event in this series
