‘Walk for Covy’ in this year’s Goose Festival parade
By Joan Janzen
This year’s Goose Festival parade will feature a group of family of friends who will be participating in memory of dearly loved Covy Holland. Not only are they honouring his memory, but as they walk the parade route together, they’re sending a reminder to onlookers to keep mental health at the forefront.
Covy’s sister, Natalie Down, aptly described her brother. “Simply put, Covy is the Robin Williams to so many. He had an ability to make others laugh, have fun and be silly without judgement. What Covy and Robin Williams had in common was a mental illness that unfortunately took over at the end of their lives.”
Natalie said her brother spent years trying to treat his disease and stay healthy. His commitment to this purpose was evident as he learned to build support systems and boundaries, even when it was difficult. He also learned the importance of journaling and daily meditation.
“As his family and friends, we are so grateful for this fight of his ... this daily, monthly and yearly fight. We are truly in awe of it,” she said. “However, from a distance, this fight was hidden; hidden from co-workers, friends, and family. This is why we are walking for Covy in this year’s parade.” But in reality, they are walking for him each and every day.
Covy’s high school friends, Lindsey Hamm, Courtney Hopkins and Jodi O’Sullivan-Campbell came up with the idea to create a float in the Goose Festival Parade. “Covy spent a lot of time outdoors ... walking, feeding birds and being in nature,” Natalie said. “The Goose Festival parade allows us to do both; it allows us to be outside and also spread a message that not all wounds are visible.”
Their slogan for their float is “I walk for Covy. Not all wounds are visible”. They sincerely hope that by raising public awareness, one day, communities will be able to talk openly about their mental health without any stigma attached.
Those walking in the parade will be attired in matching t-shirts, which were created by Prairie Cresting in Kindersley. Natalie said more than 135 shirts have been ordered. “People are welcome to walk with us in the parade or wear their shirts while watching the parade,” she said. “As Covy’s family, we would like to thank everyone for remembering him in such light and honouring him by keeping mental health in the forefront.”
A donation link has been set up for the Canadian Mental Health Association for those who wish to make a contribution at www.givesendgo.com/walkforcovy
Natalie and Jordan Down’s two youngest children, Avery and Duke, are wearing the shirts which you’ll see in the Goose Festival parade when family and friends ‘walk for Covy.’