Grassroots campaign encourages people to carry bags for mental health awareness
In an effort to make conversations around mental health more visible and inclusive, The Luke Cyr Foundation has teamed up with Bags Without Barriers on an innovative new project
NEWS RELEASE
THE LUKE CYR FOUNDATION
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This summer, the simple act of carrying a bag is becoming a powerful symbol of support for mental health.
Launched on July 1, the #CarryTheBag campaign invites people to walk, post, and reflect in honour of someone they care about. Whether it’s a backpack, work bag, duffel, or golf bag, participants are asked to help carry weight, literally or symbolically, as a show of empathy and solidarity.
The campaign was created by two grassroots non-profits: The Luke Cyr Foundation, a group that supports mental health and well-being for veterans and first responders, and Bags Without Barriers, an organization that provides backpacks and essentials to underserved youth in Toronto and NYC. Together, they’re building a movement rooted in one clear message: “No one should carry the weight alone.”
The idea is straightforward, yet very personal. Participants choose someone they’re carrying for (a friend, family member, group, or even themselves), take a moment with a bag, and share it on social media using #CarryTheBag. Videos, photos, and short captions are all welcome.
“Carry the Bag is about two things,” explains Luke Cyr, founder of Tthe Luke Cyr Foundation. “It’s about starting the conversation, removing stigmas, and making sure no one feels like they’re going through it alone.”
Luke, a veteran who found healing in the quiet discipline of being a caddie after surviving PTSD and a suicide attempt, knows what it means to carry someone else’s bag. Now, he’s turning that deeply personal metaphor into a public call to action.
On the other side of the partnership, Justin Osei-Dwumoh, founder of Bags Without Barriers, brings the campaign’s mission to underserved communities and youth, particularly those affected by poverty and systemic exclusion.
“We all carry something,” Justin says. “This is about showing up for each other in public, visible ways.”
The campaign includes a GoFundMe for those who wish to support the cause financially. Donations are split between the two organizations, funding mental health programming and access to essential supplies. But donating isn’t required to participate.
“It’s about starting real conversations about mental health,” adds Justin. “It’s a symbol of carrying the load for someone else, and making sure no one has to do it alone.”
How to join the #CarryTheBag movement
You don’t need to walk far. You don’t need to donate. You just need to show up for someone.
Here’s how to take part:
- Choose someone you’re carrying for. A friend, a loved one, a group, or even yourself.
- Carry a bag. It can be a backpack, golf bag, work bag, or something symbolic.
- Capture the moment. Snap a photo or take a short video.
- Share it. Post on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or TikTok using #CarryTheBag, and tag The Luke Cyr Foundation and Bags Without Barriers.
- (Optional) Nominate someone else. Encourage 1–2 others to carry a bag too.
- (Optional) Donate or share the GoFundMe link to help fund mental health programs.
This is about a conversation. The more we talk, the lighter the load becomes for all of us.
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