CHARLOTTE, N.C. — World Mental Health Day is Oct. 10, and it is meant to raise awareness and mobilize efforts in support of mental health, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). 

Leading up to the day, the Uncle Sonny Initiative in Charlotte hosted a Mental Awareness Family Fun Day and 5k Walk in partnership with Mental Health America of Central Carolinas. The nonprofit focuses on events and community service for people ages 7 to 17. 

“We have to have a brighter future than our present,” founder, Sonny Champion said. “So that’s why we focus on the youth.”

Champion started the nonprofit three years ago under his business Pain and Power Productions. His slogan is “transfer the pain into power.”

“No matter what we go through in life, we have to take a negative and turn that into a positive,” Champion said. “I’m living proof of what the slogan really stands for.”

Champion says he has battled depression at several stages in life. His own niece and nephew became motivation for him to make sure they had positive outlets in their lives, eventually growing into the Uncle Sonny Initiative.

WHO’s 2023 report says depression, anxiety and conduct disorders are the leading cause of illness and disability in adolescents. The report says each U.S. dollar invested in preventing and treating mental illness in youth could return around $24 in health, education and employment benefits over 80 years.

At the 5K, Champion passed out goody bags with green mental health awareness ribbons, pens, wristbands and a pocket size journal so kids have an outlet to express themselves wherever they go. 

“We’re pretty much raised to swallow and bury what we go through to the point where we’re adults and don’t even understand why we are the way we are,” Champion said. “So, that’s why what we’re doing is so important.”