BuddyCheck for Jesse
Buddy Check for Jesse is Coming to Our Team
Dear Families,
This season, we’re proud to bring the Buddy Check for Jesse initiative to our team.
For those new to the program, Buddy Check for Jesse is a Canadian charity founded by Dr. Stu Gershman—
a BC father, coach, and physician—after the tragic loss of his son, Jesse, to suicide in 2014. The mission is
simple but powerful: to bring mental health conversations into sport and encourage athletes to “Buddy
Check” one another—checking in, offering support, and reducing stigma—so they can become stronger
teammates and more compassionate leaders of tomorrow.
Over the next few weeks, our team will take part in a Buddy Check for Jesse Coach’s Talk. This short, 10-15
minute session will happen during practice or before a game, at your coach’s discretion. Here’s what your
athlete can expect:
A Coach-Led Conversation about mental health, kindness, support, and being a great teammate on and o_ the
playing surface.
Buddy Check Swag and Resources to spark ongoing conversations and serve as a reminder of the importance
of mental well-being.
Encouragement to “Buddy Check” Teammates—to look out for one another, show compassion, and
reduce stigma around mental health.
It’s important to note: this is not a suicide awareness talk. Coaches are mentors, not mental health professionals.
The purpose is to raise awareness, encourage open dialogue, and build a culture of care, support, and
acceptance within our team.
Buddy Check for Jesse is about teamwork, awareness, and creating safe spaces. The official colour of
mental health is green, and we’re excited to see our players display it proudly. We invite you to join in—wear
something green to show your support for your athlete, their teammates, and this important message.
Watch an inspiring story about the impact Buddy Check has had on a couple youth players:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIaxQ2_vrDs and: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJMV7YU5Gio&t=2s .
If you’d like to support Buddy Check further:
Shop official Buddy Check gear (t-shirts, hoodies, water bottles, and more):
www.buddycheckforjesse.com/shop .
Make a donation to help expand this initiative across Canada: www.buddycheckforjesse.com/donate .__
Thank you for supporting this important program and for encouraging open conversations about mental
health. Together, we can make a real difference.
Warmly,
The Buddy Check for Jesse Team
CLICK HERE for more info on the program:
www.BuddyCheckForJesse.com
