CMHA of New Brunswick is Challenging New Brunswickers to Push for Better Mental Health.

Jan 29, 2026

FREDERICTON, NB – This February, the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick (CMHANB) is once again inviting New Brunswickers to push for better mental health by taking part in The Push-Up Challenge, a national fitness-based initiative that combines physical activity, connection, and mental health education.

The Push-Up Challenge asks participants to complete 2,000 push-ups over 23 days, symbolizing the approximately 2,000 lives lost to suicide each day worldwide. The challenge runs from February 5 to February 27, 2026, with participants completing a set number of push-ups each day while learning an important mental health fact.

Open to people of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds, the challenge encourages New Brunswickers to support their mental health through movement, learning, and community connection. Participants can take part individually, as part of a team, or with their workplace, school, club, or gym.

“The Push-Up Challenge is a simple but powerful way for people across New Brunswick to care for their own mental health while supporting others,” said Christa Baldwin, CEO of CMHANB. “It brings together physical activity, learning, and connection, three things we know are critical to mental wellness – especially this time of year.”

Baldwin added, “Everyone has mental health, and at some point in our lives, many of us will experience a mental health challenge. By learning and moving together, we help reduce stigma and make it easier for people to reach out for support when they need it.”

Participation in The Push-Up Challenge is free, with optional fundraising in support of CMHA programs and services in New Brunswick. While push-ups are the focus of the challenge, alternative exercises such as squats, sit-ups, lunges, or other movements are encouraged, making the event accessible to participants of all abilities. Progress is tracked through a dedicated app that also allows participants to learn daily mental health facts, fundraise, and stay connected with teammates.

CMHANB continues to promote mental health literacy across the province through community-based programs, workplace training, peer support, mental health coaching, suicide prevention initiatives, and positive mental health promotion. These efforts help create spaces where people are encouraged to be curious rather than judgmental, empathetic rather than dismissive, and proactive rather than silent about mental health.

Now in its third year in Canada, The Push-Up Challenge continues to grow. Since 2024, more than 120,000 Canadians nationwide have participated, completing over 100 million push-ups and raising over $6 million in support of community mental health programs across the country.

New Brunswickers can register as individuals or teams at: www.thepushupchallenge.ca

About the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick

The Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick (CMHANB) is the provincial leader and champion for mental health. As part of a national federation, CMHANB delivers advocacy, programs, and resources that promote mental wellness, support recovery, and strengthen resilience so that all New Brunswickers can thrive. Founded nationally in 1918, CMHA is one of Canada’s most established and extensive community mental health organizations, with a presence in more than 330 communities nationwide.
Learn more at: www.cmhanb.ca

About The Push-Up Challenge

Founded in Australia in 2017, The Push-Up Challenge has grown into one of the world’s largest mental health and fitness initiatives. Now in its third year in Canada, the challenge encourages participants to complete 2,000 push-ups over February to raise awareness about mental health, spark conversations, and support the work of the Canadian Mental Health Association. The event is free to join and open to all fitness levels.
Learn more at: www.thepushupchallenge.ca