It’s a nightmare that no family should have to survive – losing a child to suicide.
Alex Kerswell was just 13 years old when his struggles with mental health issues became overwhelming. As his family desperately tried to get him help, they found it increasingly difficult to work with a system that was “disjointed and hard to navigate”. Alex took his life in 2019, one week after turning 17-years-old.
Alex’s parents, Leanna and Shawn Kerswell, struggled with the mental health care system while Alex was alive, and when they were able to get help for him, he resisted treatment because of the stigma attached. The family says they don’t want others to suffer what they have had to endure. They founded “Legacy for Alex” – a grassroots charity committed to fundraising for initiatives that help youth who are struggling with mental health, addiction, and homelessness. The group also tries to reduce the stigma around these issues.
“Legacy For Alex” will be hosting their Annual Fundraising Dinner & Silent Auction in June at the Terry Fox Auditorium in Gravenhurst, and all proceeds will directly support the Legacy for Alex Gravenhurst High School Bursary Fund, Mind-Aid Muskoka, and Alex’s Place.
Alex’s Place is a 12-unit transitional housing program for youth aged 16–24 who are experiencing homelessness. The program is dedicated to providing young people with a safe, supportive environment to rebuild and move forward.
“This program—and the young people it serves—continue to thrive because of the unwavering support of the Muskoka community, our local partners, and the businesses who stand behind this work,” states a news release.
MiND-AID is a small grassroots charity making a huge impact in the lives of young people in Muskoka. “The Legacy For Alex Fundraising Dinner Event has already been supporting our work and will be continuing to do so at this year’s dinner event,” says the organization in a statement. “Those who attend can enjoy a delicious meal and great company, but most importantly the money raised goes directly to paying for support for young people who would otherwise not find the right pathway to well matched and effective therapeutic supports, services and resources. We hope many caring people will come dine with us and help to improve and save more young lives in Muskoka!”
The “Legacy For Alex” Annual Fundraising Dinner & Silent Auction takes place on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 5pm at the Terry Fox Auditorium located at 101 Centennial Drive in Gravenhurst. Tickets are $35 per person or $15 for kids 10 years of age and under. Make your reservation by June 11th, 2025.
Visit the “Legacy For Alex” website for more information. Donations made through the website will be issued income tax receipts.
