Buffalo to Host Out of the Darkness Community Walk, Fostering Hope and Support for Suicide Prevention

Buffalo, NY – September 20, 2025 – Canalside will once again be a hub of solidarity and hope as Buffalo hosts its annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk. This vital event, organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), brings together individuals, families, friends, and neighbors to support suicide prevention and honor those lost to suicide.

The day's activities will commence with check-in at 8:30 AM EDT, followed by the official start of the walk at 10:00 AM EDT. Participants will walk side-by-side, creating a powerful visual testament to their commitment to a world without suicide.

"The Walks helped me feel hope and community, and to be able to share that with other people means everything," shared a past Walker, encapsulating the profound impact these events have on participants. The Out of the Darkness Community Walks are designed to foster a sense of connection and provide a platform for open conversation about mental health and suicide.

The event offers multiple avenues for community involvement. Individuals are encouraged to participate by registering for free today. For those looking to contribute more directly, volunteering is a crucial way to ensure the success of the Buffalo Walk. Interested volunteers can submit an application by emailing Bonnie Webster at bwebster@afsp.org. Local businesses and organizations can also make a significant impact through sponsorship, demonstrating their commitment to mental health within the community. More information on sponsorship opportunities can be obtained by contacting Bonnie Webster.

Your Action = Real Impact. The AFSP encourages participants to engage in fundraising to support their mission. Through the Participant Hub and Team Central, individuals can set up fundraising pages and track their progress. Fundraisers who raise $150 or more by the event date will receive an Out of the Darkness Walk t-shirt on Walk Day. Those who raise over $250 will earn an additional reward after the event.

Walk Day at Canalside will feature various activities, including on-site resources for hope and healing, and the opportunity to create honor beads. These beads, each representing a personal connection to suicide loss, serve as a poignant symbol of remembrance and shared experience. While the specific walk route details will be added soon, participants can anticipate an informative Event Guide with further details about the day's schedule and offerings.

The AFSP emphasizes the power of social media in promoting the walk and encouraging fundraising. Participants are urged to share their fundraising links and promote the Buffalo Walk on platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Creating Facebook Fundraisers through the AFSP DonorDrive account is recommended, as direct Facebook fundraisers may not connect properly.

For those who have participated in previous Out of the Darkness Walks, registration is streamlined. A blue link under "Been Here Before?" on the registration page will guide returning Walkers.

The Out of the Darkness Community Walk in Buffalo is more than just a fundraising event; it's a movement building a supportive community and driving change in suicide prevention. Join your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers on September 20, 2025, at Canalside to walk together, remember those we’ve lost, and create a future where no one has to face the darkness alone.

Contact: Bonnie Webster 585-202-2783 bwebster@afsp.org