Introducing the o2 Project!

The o2 Project is a mental health movement to get people worldwide, outside, and into the natural benefits it provides. Studies have shown that just a small amount of time outside can have significant benefits on both our mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, cortisol levels, anxiety/depression, lower blood pressure, improve mood, and boost our immune systems. We are on a mission to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and their communities. Small amounts of time outside can be a low/no-cost option to greatly improve our overall outlook, health, and well-being. 

Each year on the second Saturday of June, the o2 Project promotes a Get Outside Day encouraging individuals, communities, and companies to do something outside. Not only for their own benefit but also in solidarity with mental health awareness. Whether it’s for a walk, run, hike, bike ride, or simply to sit in a chair and soak in the sun, we want to encourage people of all ages to get outside. There are no rules, set locations, start/finish times, or admission fees, making it easy and affordable for anyone to participate.  Please mark the date on your calendar and we encourage you to invite your family and friends to join you!  

We also have our 10-A-Day joint initiative with the Military Veterans Advocacy which encourages people to spend at least 10 minutes a day, each day, outside. The goal of this initiative is to encourage those who may be isolating themselves inside, to get back outside and into the healing effects of nature. With each day they accomplish this, they will feel the sun on their faces, the fresh air in their lungs, and realize that they can and do feel better. It may even encourage them to do it more often and seek further help instead of giving up. Help that is specifically geared towards them and not just a band-aid or temporary solution. 

In addition to helping people benefit from nature, the Benjamin Ware Legacy Fund raises money for and promotes wilderness therapy for those suffering from mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and traumatic brain injury. Wilderness therapy uses Mother Nature, sound medical attention, and alternative therapy options to provide a calm and peaceful environment in which to get to the root cause of the issues, rather than solely masking them with medications or only treating the addiction. It helps to heal the body and mind and restore confidence, pride, and healthy coping mechanisms for the future.   Individual and corporate donations to the Benjamin Ware Legacy Fund are accepted all year round and 100% used towards Wilderness Therapy and Mental Health initiatives. We also offer Sponsorship opportunities which greatly help us to cover the expenses associated with promoting our cause, educating the government and medical communities about our initiatives, and reaching more people with the hope to help save lives. We are a registered Canadian non-profit and together we can make a difference.