Manitoba Pushes Past $60,000 in Just Three Days of The Push-Up Challenge

Winnipeg, MB – February 10, 2026 – Manitobans are already showing serious muscle for mental health. Just three days into The Push-Up Challenge, participants across the province have raised more than $60,000, with thousands taking part in the national movement to complete 2,000 push-ups this February in support of mental health.

CMHA Across Manitoba is calling on Manitobans to join and support The Push-Up Challenge, running until February 27. Participants including individuals, workplaces, schools, and community groups aim to complete 2,000 push-ups over 23 days in honour of the approximately 2,000 lives lost to suicide each day worldwide.

Now in its third and largest year in Canada, The Push-Up Challenge has already mobilized more than 70,000 participants nationwide, combining physical activity with daily mental health education, social connection and fundraising for CMHA programs and services.

In Manitoba, the early momentum reflects growing community engagement around mental health awareness, prevention and stigma reduction.

“Reaching more than $60,000 by day three shows how deeply Manitobans care about mental health,” said Stephen Sutherland, CMHA Fund Development Manager. “The Push-Up Challenge is our opportunity to get moving, honour lives lost, spark real conversations about mental health, and drive change together.”

Each day of The Push-Up Challenge combines movement with mental health tips through a dedicated app, helping participants build knowledge, healthy habits, and open conversations about mental health.

The Push-Up Challenge is designed to be inclusive and accessible. Participants can set their own goals or choose alternatives such as squats, sit-ups or modified exercises, making it open to people of all ages and abilities.

Workplaces across Manitoba are taking just five minutes a day to connect, boost energy and make mental health part of work life. It is simple, it works for both in-office and remote teams, and it does not require any special equipment or fitness experience. Register your workplace or support a team online.

Participation is free, with many Manitobans choosing to fundraise in support of CMHA’s local mental health programs and services.

“The Push-Up Challenge isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up,” said Sutherland. “Every rep counts, every day matters, and every effort builds connection and momentum for better mental health. Let’s push for better together.”

Join the Push-Up Challenge and be part of a nationwide movement. Feel the energy of thousands of Canadians pushing together for mental health, knowing your effort fuels real change in your community.

The Push-Up Challenge runs February 5-27. To learn more, register, or support a participant, visit cmhaacrossmb.ca/push-up-challenge.


About The Push-Up Challenge

Founded by Nick Hudson in Perth, Australia in 2017, The Push-Up Challenge began as a challenge between four friends and has grown to become one of the world’s most successful international mental health and fitness events. This year will mark The Push-Up Challenge’s third year in Canada and tenth year in Australia. The Challenge is a fun way for participants to connect with one another, get fit, and learn about mental health, with participants encouraged to raise money for mental health charities. For more information and to register, visit www.thepushupchallenge.ca.


About The Canadian Mental Health Association Across Manitoba

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Across Manitoba is part of a national federated charity that provides advocacy and services that aim to promote mental health, help prevent mental health and substance use health problems, support recovery and resilience and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive.


Media Contact:

Stephen P. Sutherland
Fund Development Manager
ssutherland@cmhawpg.mb.ca
Phone: 204.982.6134
Cell: 431.276.1687