Golden, BC’s first-ever Skate Dark to Light event rolled out before dawn, drawing dozens of early risers and raising more than $740 for the Golden Family Center.
The event began at 4:30 a.m. with a small crew of 12 skaters, and by 6:00 a.m., more than 25 people had gathered at the site. In total, about 40 participants came through over the course of the morning.
Donations totalled $742.45, with $300 raised through a community donations table and $442.45 from Semicolon Skateboards’ product sales. Organizers called it an impressive success for a first-year effort.
The idea for Golden’s version of Skate Dark to Light grew out of a conversation at the Golden Family Center, inspired by Push to Heal’s national initiative. Semicolon Skateboards, with its focus on mental health and suicide prevention awareness, brought the local event to life.
Local businesses also played a part. Ethos Café supplied fresh coffee, muffins, and breakfast fixings, which organizers said kept the group energized through the early hours.
Beyond fundraising, the event was about awareness. “Suicide is real, and the numbers are growing,” organizers said. “Everyone struggles sometimes, and everyone’s feelings are valid. We don’t always need to understand what someone is going through — we just need to show empathy, remind them they are not alone, and be there in the moments they need us.”
For Semicolon Skateboards, the choice of activity was no accident. “Skateboarding is more than just tricks — it’s a powerful tool for mental health and resilience,” they said. “It teaches us to fall, get back up, and try again. It creates space for healthy self-challenge, self-expression, and community connection. For those who are struggling, skateboarding provides an outlet: a way to focus energy, release emotions, and find belonging.”
With strong community turnout and support, organizers are already looking ahead to next year’s edition.
