As we approach Remembrance Day, it’s important to bear in mind the impact of conflict on those we send abroad to fight on our behalf.
The name Luke Cyr is well known in The Valley and well beyond as one of the strongest and most outspoken ambassadors for mental health that ever donned a military uniform.
Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Luke Cyr served 12 years with the 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, completing tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan. Returning to civilian life proved far from easy. He struggled with operational stress injuries — including PTSD, anxiety, and depression — and the deep sense of isolation that often follows service.
On October 30, 2021, Luke attempted to take his own life. Surviving that day became a moment of reckoning — to continue down a destructive path or begin rebuilding. The road to recovery was slow and demanding, but with counselling support from the Robbie Dean Family Counselling Centre, Luke found a way forward.
One of the most powerful advocates for mental wellness in The Valley is Monique Yashinskie Founder and Director of The RDC who has worked closely with Luke Cyr ever since they crossed paths in 2021.
On October 30th of this year Luke held a gala fundraiser in Sault Ste. Marie to again benefit The Robbie Dean Centre and Monique talks of her time with Luke with great fondness:
At the gala, Luke himself presented Monique with a cheque for $40,000 towards the RDC as well as an additional $10,000 donation to the Caddie School for Soldiers in Scotland. Together, the $50,000 contribution represents a major milestone in his 2025 Road to Resilience initiative.
Prior to the gala Luke spoke to us, and hinted that some pretty big things were going to come out of the evening.
The additional financial boost couldn’t have come at a better time, says Yashinskie as the data she has been seeing lately paints a pretty grim picture of the current state of mental health right across the board:
The Foundation’s 2025 campaign brought supporters together from across Canada under the banner #CarryTheBag, a theme symbolizing shared responsibility for mental health. In January 2026, the Luke Cyr Foundation will launch ReBorn 2026 — a hands-on mental health initiative aimed at connecting veterans and first responders with physical, social, and community-based wellness programs.
(Written By: Richard Evans)